This group of organisms includes:
- S. anginosus
- S. intermedius
- S. constellatus
Because of phenotypic similarities, exact speciation can be difficult without more advanced means of testing. Speciation matters as intermedius and constellatus are very frequently associated with abscess formation; wheras anginosis is not. The clinical presentations of the various species are discussed in this CID article. Soft tissue abscesses are most common, followed by pleuropulmonary (including empyema), intrabdominal (including liver abscess), and brain abscesses.
The propensity to form abscesses may be related to impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and resistance to destruction when phagocytosed.
Treatment involves adequate surgical source control, and antibiotics, usually parenteral beta-lactams such as Penicillin G if the isolate is susceptible. Duration of therapy varies depending on location of abscess and adequacy of surgical drainage.
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