Viridans group streptococci

a reservoir of resistant bacteria in oral cavities

Bryskier, A.

AVENTIS Pharma, Romainville, France

Corresponding author and reprint requests: A. Bryskier, AVENTIS Pharma, 102, route de Noisy, 93235 Romainville, France. Tel: +33 1 49 91 51 21, Fax: +33 1 49 91 50 20, E-mail: [email protected]

Clinical Microbiology & Infection 8(2):p 65-69, February 2002.

The worldwide spread of erythromycin A-resistant streptococci, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, is of concern. Many studies have demonstrated that the viridans group streptococci can be a reservoir of erythromycin A resistance. Within oral streptoccoci, an important difference in the susceptibility pattern has been noted. The purpose of this short editorial is to highlight the importance of this group of bacteria as a reservoir of resistance to erythromycin A and the possible transfer of resistance to S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes.