Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis Due toStreptococcus viridansin an Edentulous Man

Abstract

AMONG the most important indigenous microorganisms is the viridans group of streptococci. These bacteria are normal inhabitants of the mouth and pharynx and appear early in life. Although they rarely provoke disease, their most significant contribution to medicine lies in the fact that approximately 75 to 85 per cent of cases of subacute bacterial endocarditis are caused by Streptococcus viridans. In the pathogenesis of subacute bacterial endocarditis these organisms are transported by way of the blood stream to reach valves damaged by rheumatic heart disease or certain forms of congenital heart disease. Transient episodes of Str. viridans bacteremia frequently . . .