Streptococcus infection in a newborn

WMJ. 2014 Oct;113(5):202-3.

Abstract

Streptococcus salivarius is an uncommon cause of infection in neonates. Normally present in the oral flora of humans, S salivarius is the least pathogenic member of the viridans group streptococci and is often considered a contaminant when detected on blood culture. While rare, it has been shown in the literature to cause clinically relevant bacteremia and other invasive infections typically in the immunocompromised. We report the case of a well-appearing 1-day-old female with sequential positive blood cultures for S salivarius. This case has important implications as it demonstrates that S salivarius should not be automatically ruled out as a contaminant when isolated on blood culture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillins