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Streptococcus milleri group: Renewed interest in an elusive pathogen

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Abstract

The following review examines the bacteriological characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility of the “Streptococcus milleri group”. “Streptococcus milleri group” is a term for a large group of streptococci which includesStreptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus constellatus andStreptococcus anginosus. Usually considered commensals, these organisms are often associated with various pyogenic infections including cardiac, abdominal, skin and central nervous system infections. Organisms of the “Streptococcus milleri group” are often unrecognized pathogens due to the lack of uniformity in classifications and difficulties in microbiological identification. Penicillin G, cephalosporins, clindamycin and vancomycin all possess activity against these streptococci. Use of agents with poor activity may promote infections with “Streptococcus milleri group” and allow it to exhibit its pathogenicity. An understanding of these organisms may aid in their recognition and proper treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street, 60612, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    S. C. Piscitelli & L. H. Danziger

  2. Department of Hospital Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, 29425-0810, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

    J. Shwed

  3. Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 South Wood Street, 60612, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    P. Schreckenberger

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  1. S. C. Piscitelli
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  2. J. Shwed
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  3. P. Schreckenberger
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  4. L. H. Danziger
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Piscitelli, S.C., Shwed, J., Schreckenberger, P. et al. Streptococcus milleri group: Renewed interest in an elusive pathogen. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 11, 491–498 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01960802

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