Streptococcus milleri | |
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Cultures of Streptococcus anginosus on blood agar | |
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The Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG), also known as the anginosus group streptococci (AGS) or the milleri group streptococci (MGS), are a group of several species of streptococci with clinical similarities. The group is named after a principal member species, Streptococcus anginosus. The older name Streptococcus milleri (as well as Streptococcus milleri group, SMG) is now pseudotaxonomic, as the idea that these streptococci constituted a single species was incorrect. The anginosus group streptococci are members of the viridans streptococci group.[1] They have been implicated as etiologic agents in a variety of serious purulent infections, but because of their heterogeneous characteristics, these organisms may be unrecognized or misidentified by clinical laboratorians.[2] The unique characteristic of them from other pathogenic streptococci, such as S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae, is their ability to cause abscesses.[3][4]