Putative pathogenic factors underlying Streptococcus oralis opportunistic infections

Abstract

, belonging to the viridans group streptococci (VGS), has been considered a component of the normal flora predominantly inhabiting the oral cavity. In recent years, a growing body of literature has revealed that dental procedures or daily tooth brushing activities can cause the spread of from the oral cavity into various body sites leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections such as infective endocarditis (IE) and meningitis. However, very little is currently known about the pathogenicity of . Thus, the aim of this review is to update the current understanding of the pathogenic potential of to pave the way for the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections.