Streptococcus bovis group

• S. alactolyticus
• S. equinus
• S. gallolyticus subsp gallolyticus (S. bovis I)
• S. gallolyticus subsp macedonius
• S. gallolyticus subsp pasteurianus (S. bovis II.2)
• S. infantarius subsp coli
• S. infantarius subsp infantarius (S. bovis II.1)
• S. lutetiensis

Gram Stain

• Gram positive cocci in chains (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

These organisms may be found in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

They have been associated with bacteremia, endocarditis (native and prosthetic valve), and rarely urinary tract infections.

S. infantarius is associated with neonatal meningitis.

S. gallolyticus (subsp gallolyticus) bacteremia has strong association with malignancy of the colon.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are usually susceptible to penicillin (although tolerance has been described) and cephalosporins.  

Clindamycin susceptibility is variable.

Vancomycin resistance has rarely been described.