Streptococcus sanguinis SK36

Streptococcus sanguinis, a member of the human indigenous oral microflora, has long been recognized as a key player in the bacterial colonization of the mouth. S. sanguinis directly binds to oral surfaces and serves as a tether for the attachment of a variety of other oral microorganisms which colonize the tooth surface, form dental plaque, and contribute to the etiology of both caries and periodontal disease. Furthermore, S. sanguinis has been long recognized as a leading cause of bacterial endocarditis, a disease of high morbidity which is fatal if untreated. Additionally, S. sanguinis and other viridans streptococci of the mouth are emerging as important bloodstream pathogens in infections which threaten neutropenic patients (patients with decreased numbers of neutrophils in their blood). The reasons underlying this previously unrecognized virulence now elicited by the viridans streptococci are unknown. Such infections are being compounded by the increasing frequency with which penicillin resistance is being observed in this group of organisms. Some of the more central features of S. sanguinis include production of glucans from sucrose, platelet binding, binding to extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., laminin, fibronectin), binding to salivary proteins, ability to specifically co-aggregate with other oral microflora, and genetic competence (adapted from http://www.sanguinis.mic.vcu.edu/background.htm). (EBI Integr8)