Viridans Streptococci

Viridans Streptococci Latest News

The new study, by a research team at Tampere University in Finland, examined coronary arteries from 121 sudden-death autopsies and found Viridans streptococci were the most frequent species, present in about 42% of both autopsy and surgical cases.

About Viridans Streptococci

• It is a group of common oral bacteria.
• It can form sticky bacterial layers called biofilms deep inside atherosclerotic plaques, remaining hidden from the immune system until the moment of rupture. 
• Viridans streptococci are commensals in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and female genital tracts and are most prevalent in the oral cavity. 
• It is a group of gram-positive cocci that are commonly associated with infective endocarditis (IE) and typically colonize previously damaged cardiac tissue.
• Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation.
• Importantly, the bacterial clusters were often arranged in biofilms, protective layers that allow bacteria to survive unnoticed by the body’s immune system.  

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How do Oral Bacteria Trigger Heart Attacks?

• The biofilm formed by this bacteria remains hidden, parts of it can break loose. Once released, the bacteria trigger inflammation in the artery wall.
• This weakens the fibrous “cap” covering the fatty plaque, making it more likely to rupture.
• Plaque rupture is a critical event that leads to clot formation and, ultimately, a heart attack.

Source: TH