Molecular pathogenicity of Streptococcus anginosus

Abstract

Streptococcus anginosus and the closely related species Streptococcus constellatus and Streptococcus intermedius, are primarily commensals of the mucosa. The true pathogenic potential of this group has been under-recognized for a long time because of difficulties in correct species identification as well as the commensal nature of these species. In recent years, streptococci of the S. anginosus group have been increasingly found as relevant microbial pathogens in abscesses and blood cultures and they play a pathogenic role in cystic fibrosis. Several international studies have shown a surprisingly high frequency of infections caused by the S. anginosus group. Recent studies and a genome-wide comparative analysis suggested the presence of multiple putative virulence factors that are well-known from other streptococcal species. However, very little is known about the molecular basis of pathogenicity in these bacteria. This review summarizes our current knowledge of pathogenicity factors and their regulation in S. anginosus.

Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus anginosus BVI, a New Vaginal Pathogen Candidate

“…Streptococcus anginosus and related streptococci have been primarily recognized as commensals of the human mucosa (1), since the full appreciation of their clinical significance was hampered for a long time due to difficulties in correct species identification (2, 3). In recent years, members of the S. anginosus group have been detected as potential pathogens in abscesses and blood cultures, and they also play a role in cystic fibrosis (1, 4).…”

“…In recent years, members of the S. anginosus group have been detected as potential pathogens in abscesses and blood cultures, and they also play a role in cystic fibrosis (1, 4). In other studies, S. anginosus has been recognized as an associated pathogen of different body sites, such as the oral cavity and the urogenital and gastroinstestinal tracts (5, 6).…”

MLVF analysis of anginosus (milleri) group streptococci

“…Despite the fact that the number of SAG infections and their severity are on the rise (Asam and Spellerberg, 2014;Giuliano et al, 2012), the only available typing method of clinical SAG strains that can be used more less routinely in microbiology reference laboratories is macrorestriction analysis (Restriction Fragments Length Polymorphism -Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis [RFLP-PFGE]). RFLP-PFGE is the "gold standard" method of analysis of many clinical bacteria, but it has its caveats.…”

Comparative Genome Analysis of the Daptomycin-ResistantStreptococcus anginosusStrain J4206 Associated with Breakthrough Bacteremia

“…2013; Asam and Spellerberg 2014). These streptococci are typically commensal human flora of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal, genital, and respiratory tracts (Whiley et al.…”

“…1992). Historically, the SAG has not been a well-studied group, in part due to the lack of proper laboratory diagnostic techniques, which may have underestimated the frequency of these infections (Asam and Spellerberg 2014). …”