Second look at Streptococcus sanguinis and the colon. (29th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Robert; Gupta, Vineet; Kwan, Brian
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-06-29
• Subjects: colon cancer -- valvar diseases -- cancer intervention -- infections -- gi bleeding; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224799
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Although the link between Streptococcus bovis bacteraemia and colon cancer is well established, bacteraemia from other viridans group streptococci that commonly colonise colonic mucosa may also herald occult malignancy. We present a case of Streptococcus sanguinis bacteraemia in an elderly man with new anaemia that led to the detection and removal of a high-grade colon neoplasm. This case contributes to a growing body of literature contending that unexplained streptococcal bacteraemia merits a thorough workup that may include relatively invasive procedures such as endoscopy. Diagnostic colonoscopy provides an opportunity to prevent invasive malignancy that may outweigh bleeding and perforation risks in elderly patients.