Infecciones por estreptococos del grupo S. anginosus en pediatría / S. anginosus group streptococcal infections in children

Los estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA), también llamados "Streptococcus milleri", fueron reconocidos como parte de los estreptococos del grupo viridans (EGV) desde principios del siglo XX. Su rol como patógenos humanos, sin embargo comenzó a destacarse recién en la década de 1970. En esta actualización se describen aspectos microbiológicos y clínicos de los EGA. Los métodos fenotípicos de identificacón e incluso algunos genotípicos carecen de precisión para reconocer las tres especies del grupo (Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus y Streptococcus intermedius) e incluso pueden fallar en su clasificación a nivel de grupo. La mayoría de ellos son sensibles a los antibióticos beta-lactámicos pero son considerables los porcentajes de resistencia a macrólidos, lincosamidas y tetraciclinas. Los EGA son colonizantes habituales de las mucosas orofaríngea, intestinal y genitourinaria, pero, cada vez más frecuentemente, son reconocidos como patógenos humanos. Es ampliamente conocida su capacidad de formar abscesos en órganos sólidos, especialmente abscesos cerebrales, pulmonares y hepáticos. También producen sinusitis, empiemas y colecciones en piel y tejidos blandos, hueso, articulaciones, etc. Se han encontrado asociados con exacerbaciones pulmonares en pacientes con fibrosis quística y con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Producen también infecciones posteriores a mordeduras humanas, infecciones diseminadas, bacteriemia sin foco aparente y, en menor medida, endocarditis infecciosa (AU)

Streptococci from the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG), also termed "Streptococcus milleri", were recognized as members of the viridans group streptococci (VGS) in the early 20th century. Nevertheless, their role as human pathogens only became evident in the 1970s. In this update, microbiological and clinical aspects of the SAG are described. Phenotypic and even some genotypic identification methods lack accuracy in recognizing the three species of the group (Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus intermedius) and may fail to classify them at the group level. Most of them are sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics but rates of resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and tetracyclines are significant. SAGs are common colonizers of the oropharyngeal, intestinal, and genitourinary mucosa, but are increasingly recognized as human pathogens. Their ability to form abscesses in solid organs, especially brain, lung and liver, is widely known. They may produce sinusitis, empyemas, and collections in skin and soft tissues, bone, joints, etc. They have also been associated with pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, they may cause infections following human bites, disseminated infections, bacteremia without apparent focus, and, to a lesser extent, infective endocarditis (AU)

An unexpected pathogen causing multiple intra-abdominal abscesses in an immunocompetent patient / Un patógeno inesperado como causa de múltiples abscesos intrabdominales en un paciente inmunocompetente

Abstract Streptococcus constellatus is a member of the group now called Streptococcus anginosus. This microorganism is part of the normal oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal and genitourinary microbiota. However, it may cause serious infections such as pharyngitis, bacteremia and invasive pyogenic infections in immunocompromised patients. We report the first case in Colombia of an adult male with no relevant medical history and with an unusual presentation of infection by S. constellatus and whose laboratory results showed an important systemic inflammatory response and radiographic evidence of abdominal involvement with poor response to medical and surgical management. Since there are few reports in international medical journals about intra-abdominal infection by S. constellatus and taking into consideration the need of a multidisciplinary intervention, this report may be of interest for both clinical and surgical practitioners.

Resumen Streptococcus constellatus es un miembro del grupo ahora llamado Streptococcus anginosus. Este microorganismo es parte de la microbiota orofaríngea, gastrointestinal y genitourinaria normal. Sin embargo, puede causar infecciones graves como faringitis, bacteriemia e infecciones piógenas invasivas en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Presentamos el primer caso en Colombia de un hombre adulto sin antecedentes médicos relevantes y con una presentación inusual de infección por S. constellatus, dada por una gran respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y evidencia radiográfica de afectación abdominal con mala respuesta al tratamiento médico y quirúrgico. Dado que hay pocos informes en revistas médicas internacionales sobre la infección intraabdominal por S. constellatus y teniendo en cuenta la necesidad de intervenciones multidisciplinarias, este reporte puede ser de interés tanto para los médicos clínicos como para los quirúrgicos.

Estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus Parte IIIb. Infecciones en localizaciones diferentes de las de cabeza y cuello / Streptococcus anginosus group. Part IIIb. Other than head and neck infections

Resumen Las bacterias del grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA) son colonizantes habituales de las mucosas orofaríngea, intestinal y genitourinaria, pero, cada vez más frecuentemente, son reconocidas como patógenos humanos. En esta parte III se describen las tendencias de los EGA a la producción de distintas patologías humanas. Por su extensión debió ser desdoblada a su vez en otras dos partes (IIIa y IIIb). Es ampliamente conocida su capacidad de formar abscesos en órganos sólidos, especialmente abscesos cerebrales, pulmonares y hepáticos. También producen sinusitis, empiemas y colecciones en piel y tejidos blandos, huesos, articulaciones, etc. Se han encontrado asociados con infecciones urinarias, vaginitis aeróbica y con exacerbaciones pulmonares en pacientes con fibrosis quística y con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Producen también infecciones posteriores a mordeduras humanas, infecciones diseminadas, bacteriemia sin foco aparente y, en menor medida, endocarditis infecciosas, generalmente complicadas con abscesos perivalvulares. Esta parte IIIb está focalizada en las infecciones que no comprometen la cabeza y el cuello.

Abstract Streptococcus anginosus (SGA) group streptococci are common colonizers of the oropharyngeal, intestinal, and genitourinary mucosa, but they are increasingly recognized as human pathogens. In this part III, tendencies of the EGA to the production of different human pathologies are described. Due to its length, it had to be divided into two other parts (IIIa and IIIb). Its ability to form abscesses in solid organs, especially brain, lung and liver abscesses, is widely known. They also cause sinusitis, empyema and collections in skin and soft tissues, bones, joints, etc. They have been found associated with urinary tract infections, aerobic vaginitis and with pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They also cause infections after human bites, disseminated infections, bacteremia without apparent focus and, to a lesser extent, infective endocarditis, generally complicated by perivalvular abscesses. This part IIIb is focused on other than head and neck infections.

Resumo As bactérias do grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA) são colonizadores comuns da mucosa orofaríngea, intestinal e geniturinária, mas são cada vez mais reconhecidos como patógenos humanos. Nesta parte III são descritas as tendências do EGA à produção de diferentes patologias humanas. Devido ao seu comprimento, teve que ser dividido em duas outras partes (IIIa e IIIb). Sua capacidade de formar abcessos em órgãos sólidos, principalmente cérebro, pulmão e fígado, é amplamente conhecida. Eles também causam sinusite, empiema e coleções na pele e tecidos moles, ossos, articulações, etc. Eles foram encontrados associados à infecções urinárias, vaginite aeróbia e às exacerbações pulmonares em pacientes com fibrose cística e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. Também causam infecções após picadas humanas, infecções disseminadas, bacteremia sem origem aparente e, em menor grau, endocardite infecciosa, geralmente complicada por abscessos perivalvulares. Seu papel na faringite é controverso, embora algumas das subespécies possam estar envolvidas em tais infecções. Seu potencial carcinogênico também é postulado pela associação com carcinomas orofaríngeos, gástricos ou esofágicos. Esta parte IIIb enfoca infecções em diferentes locais da cabeça e pescoço.

Estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus Parte I. Taxonomía, características microbiológicas e identificación / Streptococcus anginosus groupb Part I. Taxonomy, microbiological characteristics and identification / Estreptococos do grupo Streptococcus anginosus Parte I. Taxonomia, características microbiológicas e identificação

Resumen Los estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA), también llamados "Streptococcus milleri" fueron reconocidos como parte de los estreptococos del grupo viridans (EGV) desde principios del siglo XX. Sin embargo, su rol como patógenos humanos comenzó a destacarse recién en la década de 1970. Esta actualización consta de tres partes: en esta primera parte se tratarán los aspectos taxonómicos y microbiológicos así como los métodos de identificación de los EGA. El crecimiento de estas bacterias es relativamente lento, las colonias son pequeñas, incluso a las 48-72 horas de incubación y la mayoría de las cepas despide un olor a caramelo característico cuando crecen en agar sangre. Su crecimiento es estimulado en una atmósfera con 5% de CO2. Últimamente, con el reconocimiento de la asociación de los EGA con episodios indeseables en pacientes con fibrosis quística se han desarrollado medios selectivos para poner de manifiesto su presencia en las vías aéreas. Los métodos fenotípicos e incluso algunos genotípicos carecen de precisión para identificar las tres especies del grupo (Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus y Streptococcus intermedius) e incluso pueden fallar en su clasificación a nivel de grupo. Dentro de los métodos moleculares, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) no puede ser tomado como referencia para llegar a subespecie, pero sí es muy eficiente en la identificación a nivel de especie. Para algunos autores la secuenciación del gen sodA podría ser una buena opción, pero el gold standard es el multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA).

Abstract Streptococci from the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG), also called "Streptococcus milleri", have been recognized as belonging to the viridans group (VGS) since the beginning of the 20th century. Their role as human pathogens, however, only began to emerge in the 1970s. This review consists of three parts: the first part will deal with the taxonomic and microbiological aspects and the identification methods of SAGs. The growth of these bacteria is relatively slow; the colonies are small even after 48-72 hours of incubation and most of the strains give off a characteristic caramel odor when they grow on blood agar. Their growth is stimulated in an atmosphere with 5% CO2. Lately, with the recognition of the association of SAGs with undesirable episodes in patients with cystic fibrosis, selective media have been developed to reveal their presence in the airways. Phenotypic and even some genotypic methods lack precision in identifying the three species in the group (Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus intermedius) and may even fail to classify at the group level. Among the molecular methods, MALDI-TOF MS cannot be taken as a reference to arrive at subspecies, but it is very efficient to identify at the species level. For some authors, sequencing the sodA gene may be a good option, but the gold standard is multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA).

Resumo Os estreptococos do grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA), também chamados de "Streptococcus milleri", foram reconhecidos como pertencentes ao grupo viridans (EGV) desde o início do século XX. Seu papel como patógenos humanos, no entanto, só começou a surgir na década de 1970. Esta atualização consiste em três partes: nesta primeira parte, trataremos dos aspectos taxonômicos e microbiológicos e dos métodos de identificação dos EGAs. O crescimento dessas bactérias é relativamente lento, as colônias são pequenas mesmo após 48-72 horas de incubação e a maioria das cepas emitem um cheiro de caramelo característico quando crescem em ágar sangue. Seu crescimento é estimulado em uma atmosfera com 5% de CO2. Ultimamente, com o reconhecimento da associação dos EGAs com episódios indesejáveis em pacientes com fibrose cística, foram desenvolvidos meios seletivos para revelar sua presença nas vias aéreas. Os métodos fenotípicos e mesmo alguns genotípicos carecem de precisão na identificação das três espécies do grupo (Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus e Streptococcus intermedius) e podem até falhar em sua classificação em nível de grupo. Entre os métodos moleculares, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) não pode ser tomado como referência para chegar a subespécie, mas é muito eficiente na identificação em nível de spécie. Para alguns autores, o sequenciamento do gene sodA poderia ser uma boa opção, mas o padrão-ouro é a análise de sequência multilocus (MLSA).

Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis - the answer to a three-year history of red eye / Canaliculite lacrimal crônica - a resposta para uma história de olho vermelho com 3 anos de evolução

ABSTRACT Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis is a rare infection of the lacrimal system, and can lead to misdiagnosis due to its overlapping presentation to other common entities. The authors report a case of lacrimal canaliculitis with a three-year history of recurrent unilateral red eye and mucopurulent discharge. Here, we describe the clinical course, surgical details, and microbial analysis of canaliculitis infection.

RESUMO A canaliculite lacrimal crónica é uma infecção rara do sistema lacrimal e pode levar a erros de diagnóstico devido à sua apresentação sobreposta a outras entidades comuns. Os autores relatam um caso de canaliculite lacrimal com história de três anos de olho vermelho unilateral recorrente e secreção mucopurulenta. Aqui, descrevemos o curso clínico, os detalhes cirúrgicos e a análise microbiológica da infecção por canaliculite.

Gas-Containing Cervical Epidural Abscess Accompanying Bacterial Meningitis in an Adult

Gas-containing spinal epidural abscesses are uncommon. Moreover, acute spinal epidural abscesses rarely complicate bacterial meningitis in adults. Here, we report a rare case of a gas-containing cervical epidural abscess accompanying bacterial meningitis. In spite of aggressive fluid and continuous antibiotic therapy after the isolation of Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus constellatus in the cerebrospinal fluid cultures, the patient showed remaining motor dysfunction and bladder involvement. Our experience suggests that the effort to prevent neurologic deterioration by emergent surgical decompression and drainage of pus is mandatory to avoid additional spinal cord dysfunction in patients with spinal epidural abscesses accompanying bacterial meningitis.

Streptococcus Constellatus Community Acquired Pneumonia with Subsequent Isolated Pulmonic Valve Endocarditis and Abscess Formation in a Structurally Normal Heart

Pulmonic valve infective endocarditis in isolation is a rare clinical entity. The formation of an abscess in the right ventricular outflow tract as a consequence of vegetations affecting the pulmonic valve in a structurally normal heart is extremely rare and has not been reported. We report a case of isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis complicated by a regional abscess formed within the right ventricular outflow tract caused by Streptococcus Constellatus (S. Constellatus), a member of the Streptococcus Milleri group in a young male whose risk factor was alcohol abuse and he was treated medically, a comprehensive literature review on the subject is also reported. Our case is the first reported in literature with infective endocarditis caused by S. Constellatus affecting the pulmonic valve, and the first with pulmonic valve endocarditis and perivalvular abscess formation in a structurally normal heart.

Molecular Identification of Anginosus Group Streptococci Isolated from Korean Oral Cavities

Anginosus group streptococci (AGS) were classified based on the nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene (16S rDNA) and comprised Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus intermedius, and Streptococcus constellatus. It is known that AGS is a causative factor of oral and systematic diseases. The purpose of this study was to discriminate the 56 clinical strains of AGS isolated from Korean oral cavities using phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA and species-specific PCR at the species-level. The 16S rDNA of clinical strains of AGS was sequenced using the dideoxy chain termination method and analyzed using MEGA version 5 software. PCR was performed to identify the clinical strains using species-specific primers described in previous studies and S. intermedius-specific PCR primers developed in our laboratory. The resulting phylogenetic data showed that the 16S rDNA sequences can delineate the S. anginosus, S. intermedius, and S. constellatus strains even though the 16S rDNA sequence similarity between S. intermedius and S. constellatus is above 98%. The PCR data showed that each species-specific PCR primer pair could discriminate between clinical strains at the species-level through phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA nucleotide sequences. These results suggest that phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA and PCR are useful tools for discriminating between AGS strains at the species-level.

A Case of Massive Empyema Caused by Streptococcus constellatus and Anaerobic Bacteria for Mental Retardation / 결핵및호흡기질환

The Streptococcus milleri group, which also includes S. anginosus, S. intermedius and S. constellatus, is found in the oropharynx, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract mucosa. Bacteria in the Streptococcus milleri group are associated with bacteremia and abscess formation. Most of the reports of of Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) infection occur in patients with underlying medical conditions. Predisposing factors that have been associated with S. milleri group empyema include mucosal disturbances (sinusitis, periodontal disease, enteric disease), preceding to pneumonia, thoracic surgery, malignancy, neurological disease, alcohol abuse, and also diabetes mellitus. We report on a 42-year-old man with mental retardation. He who suffered from dyspnea and a fever that he had developed for over 14 days. S. constellatus and anaerobic bacterias (Prevotella buccae and Micromonas micros) were cultured. The patient was treated with the drainage of pleural effusion and clindamycin and levofloxacin.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of Pneumococcal and non-Pneumococcal Streptococcal Pneumonia

BACKGROUND: Although Pneumococcal (SPN) pneumonia is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, non-pneumococcal streptococcal (NSPN) pneumonia is also frequently reported. However, there are insufficient data on characteristics of NSPN pneumonia which makes it difficult to decide treatment plans or to assess the prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2002 and February 2009, medical records including clinical and epidemiological data on patients aged > or =18 years with community-acquired streptococcal pneumonia were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics were compared between community-acquired NSPN pneumonia and SPN pneumonia. RESULTS: During the 7 year study periods, 248 patients were hospitalized with community-acquired streptococcal pneumonia and 30 of them had NSPN pneumonia. There were 12 cases of Streptococcus constellatus, 7 cases of S. anginosus, 4 cases of S. mitis, 3 cases of S. pyogenes, 2 cases of S. oralis, 1 case of S. alactolyticus and 1 case of S. agalactiae. There was no difference in percentage of patients with a chronic underlying disease between SPN and NSPN pneumonia groups. The most common was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (SPN 29.8%, NSPN 16.7%) followed by diabetes mellitus (SPN 22.0%, NSPN 13.3%). Bacteremia (SPN 7.3%, NSPN 20.0%, P=0.04) and empyema (SPN 1.4%, NSPN 53.3%, P<0.001) were more common in NSPN pneumonia. However, there was no significant difference in the CURB-65 pneumonia severity score and 30-day mortality between the two groups. According to multivariate analysis results, the significant risk factor for NSPN pneumonia was the history of frequent alcohol drinking (Adjusted OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.36 to 10.67). CONCLUSION: Pneumonia caused by NPSN is more commonly accompanied by bacteremia and empyema compared to SPN pneumonia, but there was no difference in the 30-day mortality between the two groups. NSPN pneumonia should be considered if a patient with a history of chronic alcoholism presents with pneumonia and pleural effusion, especially when Gram positive diplococci is seen in the sputum Gram stain.

A Case of Empyema Caused by Streptococcus Constellatus / 결핵및호흡기질환

Streptococcus constellatus (S. constellatus) is a commensal microorganism belonging to the "Streptococcus milleri" group, but may cause infections in different locations in immunocompromised patients. The infection of S. constellatus has high mortality and morbidity due to its tendency to cause abscesses in infected patients, which require immediate surgical drainage for effective treatment. We report on a 72-year-old woman with end stage renal disease, who suffered from dyspnea and general weakness that had developed over 7 days. Chest CT showed loculated pleural effusion. S. constellatus was cultured from exudative pleural effusions and confirmed by an analysis of 16S rRNA sequence. The patient was treated with drainage of pleural effusion and piperacillin/tazobactam for 5 weeks.

A Case of Vertebral Osteomyelitis with Spinal Epidural Abscess Caused by Streptococcus constellatus

We report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis with epidural abscess caused by Streptococcus constellatus. The patient was present with fever, back pain, and dyspnea for 1 week. The patient was previously healthy and did not have any predisposing factor. After evaluation, the patient was diagnosed as Streptococcus constellatus vertebral osteomyelitis. He was successfully treated with surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of S. constellatus vertebral osteomyeltis with epidural abscess to be reported in Korea.

A Case of Vertebral Osteomyelitis with Spinal Epidural Abscess Caused by Streptococcus constellatus

We report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis with epidural abscess caused by Streptococcus constellatus. The patient was present with fever, back pain, and dyspnea for 1 week. The patient was previously healthy and did not have any predisposing factor. After evaluation, the patient was diagnosed as Streptococcus constellatus vertebral osteomyelitis. He was successfully treated with surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of S. constellatus vertebral osteomyeltis with epidural abscess to be reported in Korea.

A case of gas gangrene caused by Streptococcus constellatus / 대한내과학회지

Gas gangrene is usually caused by clostridial species; non-clostridial gas gangrene is infrequently reported. S. constellatus belongs to the Streptococcus milleri group, which are considered part of the normal flora and frequently associated with abscess formation. We report a rare case of spontaneous gas gangrene caused by S. constellatus. An 86-year-old man was admitted with gas gangrene of the left hip. He was treated with surgical debridement of the necrotic tissue, and antibiotic therapy, and had a satisfactory clinical course.

Streptococcus constellatus: agente etiológico asociado en empiema pleural / Streptococcus constellatusas a causative agent of empyema: Report of one case

Streptococcus constellatus is a commensal microorganism in man but may cause infections in different locations. We report a 59 years old male with severe sequelae of a previous cerebrovascular accident that consulted in the emergency room for fever of 15 days of evolution. A right empyema was diagnosed. The bacteriological culture of the effusion disclosed the presence of Streptococcus constellatus and two anaerobic strains (Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium urealyticus). The patient was treated with a pleural drainage and received ceftriaxone and clindamycin during six weeks. He was discharged in good conditions and is asymptomatic after eight months of follow up.

Empiema pleural por Streptococcus grupo anginosus en un preescolar y revisión de la literatura / Streptococcus anginosus pleural emphyema in a child: case report and review

Presentamos el caso clínico de un preescolar con antecedente de malformación pulmonar que 43 días tras una neumonectomía izquierda, ingresó al Hospital Padre Hurtado con fiebre de una semana de evolución. En una TAC pulmonar se demostró una gran colección intrapleural izquierda de la que se aisló Streptococcus grupo anginosus y Prevotella spp. Se efectuó tratamiento antimicrobiano con penicilina más clindamicina. Existe gran confusión en la terminología y clasificación de Streptococcus grupo anginosus. En la actualidad no existe duda que es un grupo que posee tres especies, S. anginosus, S. constellatus y S. intermedius. Son parte de la flora normal de orofaringe, nasofaringe, tracto gastrointestinal y vagina. Este grupo ha sido reconocido como causa de infecciones supurativas en niños y adultos. La mayoría de las cepas se describen como susceptibles a penicilina; sin embargo, existen reportes que sugieren la emergencia de resistencia. Se discuten las recomendaciones actuales para el diagnóstico e informe microbiológicos.

Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Viridans Streptococci Isolated from Blood Cultures during Recent Period / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: Viridans group streptococci (VGS) are being increasingly reported as pathogens causing septicemia in neutropenic and other immunocompromised patients since 1980s. In the past, VGS were nearly uniformly susceptible to beta-lactam antimicrobial agents, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and macrolides. Several recent published studies, however, indicate that antimicrobial resistance may be emerging as a problem with VGS. The purpose of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of VGS strains isolated from blood cultures in recent period. METHODS: A total of 45 consecutive strains of VGS isolated from blood cultures between May 2001 and March 2002 at Wonju Christian Hospital were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Identification of VGS were performed by API Strep 32(bioMerieux sa, Marcy-l'Etoile, France) commercial kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done by NCCLS recommended disk diffusion method and penicillin MICs were determined by E test. RESULTS: Among the 45 VGS strains, frequently isolated organisms were Streptococcus mitis (31.1%), Streptococcus oralis (17.8%), Streptococcus constellatus (11.1%), and Streptococcus anginosus (8.9%). Overall intermediate-and resistant rates to antimicrobial agents of VGS were as follows: penicillin; 26.7% and 8.9%, erythromycin; 4.4% and 28.9%, clindamycin 2.2% and 22.2%, and ceftriaxone; 4.4% and 6.7%, respectively. Resistant rates of Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus oralis were as follows: penicillin; 50% vs 50%, erythromycin 43% vs 37%, clindamycin 21% vs 37%, and ceftriaxone 7% vs 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the species-related variability of susceptibility among VGS isolated from blood in recent period. In addition to S. mitis, S. oralis also displayed high rates of resistance to penicillin, macrolides, and ceftriaxone. The difference in susceptibilities between species of VGS indicates the importance of accurate identification and the need for continuing monitoring of antimicrobial resistance.