Viridans

Characteristics/Epidemiology

Main oral flora

Clinical significance

Relatively avirulent.

Streptococcus mutans and other viridans causes:

• Dental caries
• Subacute bacterial endocarditis with abnormal/damaged valves

Laboratory identification

alpha or gamma hemolytic

Treatment

Penicillin

Prevention/immunity

Penicillin prophylaxis before dental procedures in at risk patients.

Things to revise/add later:

Bibliography: LWW microbiology