Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. bloodstream infections: epidemiology and therapeutic approach

Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. are frequent etiologies of bloodstream infection and endocarditis. In recent years, the incidence of Enterococcus spp. has been increasing, especially with nosocomial involvement, and with a high mortality rate. In this entity, the risk of endocarditis and its relationship with colorectal neoplastic pathology remains to be clarified, in order to establish indications for echocardiography and colonoscopy. In the case of Streptococcus spp., the risk of endocarditis depends on the species and the mortality rates are usually lower. Finally, in recent years, the treatment of endocarditis has been directed towards oral consolidation regimens and new long-term antibiotic treatments.