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Streptococcus milleri
Related Subjects: |Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Pneumococcus) |Streptococcus pyogenes Group A |Streptococcus viridans |Streptococcus milleri |Streptococcus agalactiae Group B |Streptococcus - anaerobes |Microbiology and Assessment of Streptococcus
📖 About
- Part of the Viridans group streptococci (Streptococcus anginosus group: S. anginosus, S. intermedius, S. constellatus).
- Known for forming deep-seated abscesses that require both antibiotics and surgical drainage.
🔬 Characteristics
- Gram-positive cocci arranged in chains or pairs.
- Non-motile, non-spore forming.
- May belong to Lancefield Groups A, C, F, G — or none.
- Can be alpha-haemolytic, beta-haemolytic, or non-haemolytic.
- Aerobes or facultative anaerobes.
🏠 Source
- Normal commensals of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and genitourinary tract.
⚠️ Pathogenicity
- 💢 Abdominal abscesses (e.g. liver, intra-abdominal collections).
- 🧠 Brain abscesses.
- 🫁 Lung abscesses or empyema.
- Often mixed infections with anaerobes or coliforms.
🧪 Investigations
- Resistant to optochin (helps distinguish from pneumococcus).
- Cultures from pus/aspirate → often polymicrobial.
- Blood cultures may be positive in disseminated disease.
🛡️ Resistance
- Generally susceptible to penicillin, but resistance occasionally reported.
- Polymicrobial abscesses mean empiric broad-spectrum cover is often needed until cultures return.
💊 Sensitivity & Treatment
- Usually sensitive to penicillin or amoxicillin.
- Drainage of abscesses is essential — antibiotics alone are insufficient.
- Combination therapy may be required if co-infection with anaerobes (e.g. add metronidazole).
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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