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Serious infections caused by Streptococcus milleri.
The American Journal of Medicine
|May 1, 1978
Summary
Streptococcus milleri, a type of viridans streptococci, is linked to serious suppurative infections beyond endocarditis. Identifying this specific bacterial species is clinically valuable for diagnosing and treating these infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viridans streptococci are common causes of bacterial endocarditis.
- Limited information exists on non-endocarditis diseases caused by these bacteria and specific species.
Observation:
- During a 16-month study, Streptococcus milleri was identified as a significant cause of suppurative infections.
- Observed clinical syndromes included abscesses, peritonitis, endocarditis, cholangitis, empyema, and cellulitis.
- A gastrointestinal source was identified in 8 of the 20 cases.
Findings:
- Streptococcus milleri, though infrequent in endocarditis, showed a high rate of suppurative complications.
- This species appears more frequently associated with severe suppurative infections compared to other viridans streptococci.
- Species-level identification of viridans streptococci may offer clinical utility.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of identifying Streptococcus milleri in suppurative infections.
- Suggests Streptococcus milleri may be an underrecognized pathogen in serious infections.
- Emphasizes the clinical relevance of specific bacterial species identification in patient care.