Streptococcus milleri group (Streptococcus anginosus): recovery from intra-abdominal and soft tissue sites.
One hundred thirty-three Streptococcus milleri group (S. anginosus) isolates were recovered from 487 surgical patients. The streptococci were recovered from 33 percent of intra-abdominal infection cultures (84/257). 22 percent of samples from penetrating visceral trauma (19/86), 52 percent of perirectal abscess specimens (13/25), 13 percent of nonpuerperal breast abscess cultures (8/60), and 15 percent of diabetic foot lesions (9/59). Ninety-eight percent of the S. milleri (131/133) were recovered as companion flora in polymicrobial cultures. The organisms were highly susceptible to the beta-lactam antibiotics. The precise pathogenic role of the S. milleri group (S. anginosus) is unknown. However, intrinsic virulence may be expressed in patients with severe infection or other predisposing factors.
Edmiston
C E
CE
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Walker
A P
AP
Krepel
C J
CJ
Gohr
C M
CM
Seabrook
G R
GR
Frantzides
C T
CT
D000005:Abdomen / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014774:Virulence