Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Studying Oxidative Stress Caused by the Mitis Group Streptococci in Caenorhabditis elegans
09:36

Studying Oxidative Stress Caused by the Mitis Group Streptococci in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: March 23, 2019

7.2K

Streptococcus mitis as a New Emerging Pathogen in Pediatric Age: Case Report and Systematic Review

Claudia Colomba1,2, Valeria Garbo1, Giovanni Boncori1

  • 1Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus mitis, a common oral bacterium, can cause severe invasive infections like meningitis and cerebral sino-venous thrombosis, even in healthy children. This highlights the importance of oral health and careful antibiotic selection due to emerging resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis) is a Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS) species typically found in the oral cavity.
  • While generally considered low-pathogenicity in immunocompetent individuals, S. mitis can cause invasive diseases, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathogenic role of S. mitis in invasive infections.
  • To review literature on invasive S. mitis diseases in pediatric patients.
  • To highlight the importance of oral health status in invasive infections.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a previously healthy 12-year-old boy with sinusitis, meningitis, and cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) caused by S. mitis.
  • Extensive literature review on invasive S. mitis infections in pediatric populations.

Main Results:

  • S. mitis can cause severe invasive infections, including meningitis and CSVT, in immunocompetent children.
  • Poor oral health status (e.g., sinusitis, caries) may be a predisposing factor for invasive S. mitis infections.
  • Emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns in VGS necessitate careful consideration of therapeutic choices.

Conclusions:

  • S. mitis plays a critical role in invasive infections, even in immunocompetent children with predisposing conditions.
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing invasive bacterial infections.
  • Awareness of VGS antimicrobial resistance is essential for effective treatment strategies.
Keywords:
S. mitisVGSinvasive diseasepediatric

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

15.1K
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

23.0K

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes01:30

Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes

Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased...
41
Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes01:24

Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes

The phylum Tenericutes, which includes the single class Mollicutes, comprises bacteria that lack cell walls. The term "Mollicutes" derives from the Latin word mollis, meaning "soft." These organisms are among the smallest known and are commonly referred to as mycoplasmas due to the prominence of the genus Mycoplasma, which includes well-known human pathogens. Despite their inability to stain gram-positively (a result of their lack of cell walls), mycoplasmas are phylogenetically related to the...
42
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
13
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
16
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
54
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
323