Streptococcus salivarius bacteremia and meningitis following upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and cauterization for gastric bleeding

Abstract

Streptococcus salivarius is a normal inhabitant of the oral cavity. When isolated from blood cultures, this viridans streptococcus is often disregarded as a contaminant. Viridans streptococci, although a common cause of endocarditis, are rarely associated with bacterial meningitis and account for less than 1% of all cases of purulent meningitis. We report a case of bacteremia and meningitis due to S. salivarius that occurred in a patient who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and cauterization for control of gastric bleeding. Although bacteremia following gastrointestinal procedures has been well documented, its incidence is low (ranging from 2% to 10%), and its course is usually transient without major clinical sequelae. This case is unique with respect to the pathogen isolated, the length of bacteremia, and the meningitis that subsequently developed following a gastroesophageal procedure.