Abstract

Background: Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) are a potential cause for variable pyogenic infections. Few studies described the epidemiology and clinical presentation of these infections.
Methods/results: We describe five cases of streptococcus milleri infections in a single internal medicine ward, which represents higher incidence than expected. All patients survived while one infected with S. Intemedius, needed intensive care hospitalization and prolonged mechanical ventilation.
Conclusion: As the clinical presentation of patients with SMG infections may vary, and some may even present afebrile and with normal inflammatory markers, a careful clinical estimation and accurate diagnosis is required. When SMG infection is diagnosed, early drainage of the pyogenic foci and empiric antimicrobial treatment is indicated.

Keywords: Case series; Streptococcus milleri; pyogenic infections; thoracic