From the Guidelines
Streptococcus mitis bacteremia has no established direct association with colon cancer. While there is evidence that certain bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, are associated with colorectal carcinogenesis 1, there is no strong evidence linking Streptococcus mitis specifically to colorectal malignancies. The current evidence suggests that microbial panels, including a combination of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Lachnoclostridium gene marker (m3), and Clostridium hathewayi, have potential in detecting recurrent advanced colorectal neoplasia after polypectomy 1. Key points to consider include:
- The use of non-invasive biomarkers, such as stool-based microbial markers, for the diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia 1
- The potential of certain bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, to serve as biomarkers for colorectal cancer 1
- The importance of investigating the source of infection in cases of bacteremia, including Streptococcus mitis 1 In clinical practice, the presence of Streptococcus mitis in the bloodstream should prompt investigation for the source of infection, and treatment should be guided by standard antimicrobial therapy and sensitivity testing. However, the presence of Streptococcus mitis bacteremia alone is not a reliable indicator of colon cancer. If a patient with Streptococcus mitis bacteremia is suspected to have an underlying malignancy, including colon cancer, further evaluation and investigation should be undertaken to rule out occult malignancy. It is essential to prioritize the patient's overall clinical presentation, medical history, and risk factors when evaluating the potential association between Streptococcus mitis bacteremia and colon cancer. In the absence of strong evidence linking Streptococcus mitis to colon cancer, clinicians should focus on standard treatment and investigation protocols for bacteremia and colorectal cancer screening.
From the Research
Strep Mitis Bacteremia Association with Colon Cancers
- There are no direct research papers provided to assist in answering the question about the association between Strep Mitis bacteremia and colon cancers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The provided studies focus on the treatment and pathogenesis of Streptococcus mitis/oralis infections, including infective endocarditis and bacteremia, but do not explore a link to colon cancers.
- Study 4 discusses the clinical presentations and outcomes of pediatric patients infected with Streptococcus mitis/oralis, highlighting its importance as an agent in bacteremic children with underlying hematologic and oncologic diseases.
- Studies 2 and 3 investigate the effectiveness of combination therapies, including daptomycin and ceftriaxone, against Streptococcus mitis/oralis strains, but do not mention colon cancers.
- Study 5 reports on the treatment of infective endocarditis caused by highly penicillin-resistant viridans group streptococci, including Streptococcus mitis, using vancomycin-based regimens, without referencing colon cancers.
- Study 6 reviews the current knowledge of Streptococcus mitis factors involved in host colonization and pathogenesis, but does not explore a connection to colon cancers.