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[Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and colonic diseases]
N Satz1, P Bertschinger, A Ott
1Medizinische Abteilung, Kreisspital Männedorf-Zürich.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|June 3, 1988
Summary
Streptococcus bovis infections, like bacteremia and endocarditis, were linked to colon polyps and cancer in four patients. Early detection and treatment of these infections and polyps are crucial for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacteremia and endocarditis can arise from various bacterial sources.
- Streptococcus bovis is a known pathogen, but its association with gastrointestinal malignancy requires further investigation.
Observation:
- Four febrile patients presented with bacteremia or endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis.
- Despite the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, three patients had colon polyps with high-grade malignancy.
- The fourth patient developed colon carcinoma seven years post-Streptococcus bovis endocarditis.
Findings:
- Colon polyps, some highly malignant, were discovered in three out of four patients with Streptococcus bovis infection.
- A significant delay was observed between Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and the diagnosis of colon carcinoma in one patient.
- All patients had underlying conditions that lowered immune resistance, predisposing them to infection.
Implications:
- This study highlights a critical association between Streptococcus bovis infections and colorectal neoplasia, including cancer.
- Prompt investigation for gastrointestinal pathology is warranted in patients diagnosed with Streptococcus bovis bacteremia or endocarditis.
- Effective treatment of Streptococcus bovis infection with penicillin and endoscopic removal of polyps led to favorable outcomes in these cases.