[Identification of Streptococcus viridans in clinical specimens]

In a 4 year prospective study of "viridans" or non-groupable streptococci 100 clinically significant strains were isolated. Strains were defined as significant when found in two or more samples of blood cultures, or when seen on Gram staining together with inflammatory reaction. Fifty-two strains were speciated by 10 physiological characteristics. In 42 cases additional tests were performed. Only 16 isolates were unidentifiable by the techniques used. Sources of isolates included purulent lesions (53%) (mainly S. milleri and S. mitior); endocarditis (27%) (S. bovis I, S. sanguis, S. mutans, S. bovis II) and urinary tract infections (10%) (S. bovis II, S. milleri).