title: The Association of Streptococcus gallolyticus Subspecies pasteurianus Bacteremia with the Detection of Premalignant and Malignant Colonic Lesions.
abstract: Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies (subsp.) gallolyticus (formerly bovis biotype I) bacteremia has been associated with colonic adenocarcinoma. The bovis species underwent reclassification in 2003. Subtypes of gallolyticus are associated with colonic malignancy but are less frequent, resulting in less awareness. A 71-year-old male admitted with worsening lower back pain and fevers. Initial vital signs and laboratory data were within normal limits. MRI revealed lumbosacral osteomyelitis and antibiotics were initiated. Blood cultures showed Streptococcus species, prompting a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealing vegetations on the mitral and aortic valves. The etiology for his endocarditis was unclear. A colonoscopy was suggested, but his clinical instability made such a procedure intolerable. Final cultures revealed Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (previously bovis biotype II). After antibiotic completion he underwent aortic grafting with valve replacements. Later, he was readmitted for Streptococcus bacteremia. After a negative TEE, colonoscopy revealed a 2.5 × 3 cm cecal tubulovillous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia suspicious for his origin of infection. Clinicians understand the link between Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (bovis type I) and malignancy, but the new speciation may be unfamiliar. There are no guidelines for managing S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus bacteremia; therefore a colonoscopy should be considered when no source is identified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Providence Hospital and Medical Center, 16001 W. Nine Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA.
authors.forename: Gaurav
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5613-2297
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chand
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Genesys Regional Medical Center, One Genesys Parkway, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, USA.
authors.forename: Leonid
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shamban
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Oncology, Providence Hospital and Medical Center, 16001 W. Nile Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forman
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Providence Hospital and Medical Center, 16001 W. Nine Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, USA.
authors.forename: Prabhat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sinha