Streptococcus gallolyticus (S. gallolyticus)

Streptococcus gallolyticus, formerly known as Streptococcus bovis biotype I, is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium and a member of the Group D streptococci [1]. While it is a commensal organism in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and herbivores, it is a significant opportunistic pathogen responsible for bacteremia and infective endocarditis [2]. A hallmark of S. gallolyticus infection is its strong clinical association with colorectal cancer (CRC) and other colonic lesions; its detection in the blood often serves as a diagnostic signal for underlying malignancy [3]. Treatment typically involves standard antibiotic regimens, including penicillin G or ceftriaxone, sometimes supplemented with aminoglycosides for synergistic effects [4]. Research suggests the bacterium may actively contribute to colon carcinogenesis by promoting inflammation and cell proliferation within the colonic epithelium [1,5]. Because it is a whole organism rather than a specific molecule or receptor, it is classified as a pathogen target in clinical practice rather than a molecular therapeutic target [2,3].

Other names

Streptococcus bovis biotype IStreptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticusS. bovis

Antibiotics targeting this organism primarily inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (e.g., beta-lactams) or by inhibiting peptidoglycan cross-linking (e.g., glycopeptides), while aminoglycosides inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.