Liver abscess and respiratory disease caused by anginosus group streptococci

Abstract

Anginosus group streptococci (previously known as Streptococcus milleri group) comprise three subspecies known to cause endogenous pyogenic infections. The majority of cases reported are in adults. We report a liver abscess occurring in a 3-year-old child without known preceding factors. He presented with clinical signs and X-ray findings compatible with a lower respiratory tract infection and was treated with oral amoxicillin. A blood culture grew Streptococcus constellatus and an abdominal ultra sound scan revealed a liver abscess confirmed by computerized tomography scan. Conservative management with a prolonged course of antibiotics led to complete resolution. Anginosus group streptococci can cause liver abscesses in healthy children and the presence of bacteremia due to this group of organisms should prompt investigation for occult abscesses.

Keywords

Streptococcus milleri - Streptococcus anginosus - Streptococcus constellatus - liver abscess - children