Viridans streptococcal bacteraemia: a clinical survey.
The occurrence of viridans streptococcal bacteraemia (VSB) in a London postgraduate teaching hospital was analysed retrospectively. Over a 30-month period, 39 patients with VSB were identified, and the clinical significance of VSB was assessed for each, based upon clinical and laboratory information. Endocarditis accounted for only 13% of the total patients with apparent VSB. A greater proportion of patients with VSB originated from the haematology unit (21%) and in particular, the bone-marrow transplantation unit (15%). VSB also occurred in patients with solid epithelial malignancies and in children aged < 12 months. Mortality associated with VSB was 7%. Viridans streptococci are emerging as important pathogens in previously unrecognized clinical settings, particularly hospitalized, immunocompromised patients.
Sriskandan
S
S
Department of Infectious Diseases and Bacteriology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Soto
A
A
Evans
T J
TJ
Cohen
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality