IDENTIFICATION OF VIRIDANS STREPTOCOCCI ASSOCIATED WITH BACTEREMIA INNEUTROPENIC CANCER-PATIENTS

Twenty-three viridans streptococcal isolates from pyrexial neutropenic patients with various malignant diseases were studied in a comprehens ive identification scheme. Fourteen isolates were identified as Strept ococcus oralis, five as S. mitis and two as S. salivarius but the rema ining two could not be identified reliably. The virulence mechanisms a ssociated with the ability of these species to survive and grow in viv o require further investigation but may involve the production of spec ific glycosidase and proteolytic enzyme activities.