Multiple liver abscesses with isolation of Streptococcus intermedius related to a pyogenic dental infection in an immuno-competent patient.
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus intermedius - a member of the Streptococcus anginosus group - is part of the normal microbial flora of the oral cavity. Despite being regarded as a harmless apathogenic commensal, Streptococcus intermedius has been described to cause abscesses in various locations of the body.


METHODS
We report the clinical case and course of treatment of a 18-year-old male patient presenting with multiple hepatic abscesses associated with an untreated pyogenic dental infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Streptococcus intermedius can cause liver abscesses emerging from dental infectious foci even in previously healthy patients without underlying innate or aquired immunodeficiency. The case illustrates the potential danger and underestimated risk associated with untreated dental infections.
Neumayr
Andreas
A
Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. andreas_neumayr@hotmail.com
Kubitz
R
R
Bode
J G
JG
Bilk
B
B
Häussinger
D
D
D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D046290:Liver Abscess, Pyogenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D034367:Streptococcus intermedius / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D055815:Young Adult