Streptococcus viridans
Streptococcus viridans is a species of Streptococcus that is a major human pathogen.Streptococcus viridans can cause endocarditis.
Site and Sources:
- Mouth
- Skin
- Nasopharynx
- Heart
- Oropharynx
Streptococcus viridans is actually a misnomer as there is no Streptococcus with the species name of viridans. Rather the viridans group is a large group of generally non-pathogenic streptococci that are all alpha hemolytic and produce a green (hence the name) coloration on blood agar. There are many species names for the viridans Streptococci. The organisms are most abundant in the mouth and one member of the group, S. mutans, is the etiologic agent of dental caries. Others may be involved in other mouth or gum infections. If they are introduced into the bloodstream they have the potential of causing endocarditis, particularly in individuals with damaged heart valves.