Hakuna mycotic aneurysm, Streptococcus salivarius does not always mean "no worries". (September 2021) - Ahmad, Saad
Abstract: Streptococcus salivarius, an easily missed and commonly disregarded Viridians strep species, is usually written off as a culture contaminant, but has been implicated as a rare cause of bacterial endocarditis with serious complications. It is a normal commensal microorganism of the mouth and gut, S. salivarius is usually harmless and even demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. However, the literature about the complications of a S. salivarius bacteremia remains unclear. This case highlights a patient with mycotic aneurysms due to infective endocarditis in the setting of S. salivarius bacteremia. Highlights: Streptococcus salivarius is easily missed and usually a culture contaminant, but it is also a rare cause of bacterial endocarditis with serious complications. Infective endocarditis is diagnosed based on the modified Duke's criteria and commonly presents with a low-grade fever, a new onset heart murmur, petechiae, subungual hemorrhages, Janeway lesions, Osler nodes, or Roth spots. It is critical to recognize S. salivarius 's role in bacterial endocarditis and its serious complications; therefore, rapid identification and treatment with antibiotics are imperative to avoid complications.