ABSTRACT
Streptococcus bovis is a rare, but important cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Since its discovery in the early 1970s, the pathogen has undergone multiple taxonomic changes producing four distinct subspecies today, the most prevalent of which is S. gallolyticus subsp pasteurianus in infants and children. While initially reported as sporadic case reports, there is a growing body of literature documenting invasive disease primarily in neonates and infants clinically indistinguishable from group B streptococcus. In this review, I discuss the taxonomic evolution of S. bovis meningitis and its subsequent clinical diagnosis, manifestations and treatment in children.
ABSTRACT
Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, previously known as Streptococcus bovis biotype II.2, is an uncommon pathogen in neonates. Nevertheless, it can cause severe neonatal sepsis and meningitis often clinically indistinguishable from those caused by group B streptococci and has been associated with considerable morbidity. We report the first known cases of S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus infection in twin infants.
