Streptococcus cristatus (S. cristatus)

Streptococcus cristatus is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium belonging to the Streptococcus mitis group, commonly found in the human oral cavity (Handley et al., 1991). It was formerly known as Streptococcus crista and is characterized by tufts of fimbriae on its surface that aid in biofilm formation and attachment to oral surfaces (Handley et al., 1991; PubMed). While generally considered a commensal organism associated with oral health, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in cases of infective endocarditis (Journal of Clinical Microbiology). A significant biological feature of S. cristatus is its ability to antagonize the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis by signaling through the Mfa1 fimbriae, thereby inhibiting its colonization (Xie et al., 2000). Because it is a whole organism rather than a single molecular target like a receptor or enzyme, therapeutic focus is generally on its eradication using antibiotics such as penicillin or vancomycin during systemic infection (NIH).

Other names

Streptococcus crista

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis or protein synthesis