Streptococcus anginosus group


The Streptococcus anginosus group, also known as the anginosus group streptococci or the milleri group streptococci, are a group of several species of streptococci with clinical similarities. The group is named after a principal member species, Streptococcus anginosus. The older name Streptococcus milleri is now pseudotaxonomic, as the idea that these streptococci constituted a single species was incorrect. The anginosus group streptococci are members of the viridans streptococci group. They have been implicated as etiologic agents in a variety of serious purulent infections, but because of their heterogeneous characteristics, these organisms may be unrecognized or misidentified by clinical laboratorians.
The unique characteristic of them from other pathogenic streptococci, such as S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae, is their ability to cause abscesses.

Species

Members include:Streptococcus anginosusStreptococcus constellatus

Nomenclature

These nonhemolytic viridans streptococci were first described by Guthof in 1956 after he isolated them from dental abscesses. He named these organisms Streptococcus milleri in honor of the microbiologist W. D. Miller.

Occurrence

The organisms were subsequently recognized as normal flora of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract with the ability to cause abscesses and systemic infections.