The Effect of Nomenclature Revision of Streptococcus bovis to Streptococcus gallolyticus on Subsequent Colon Cancer Screening

Background Lack of awareness of the taxonomic revision from the familiar Streptococcus bovis to the less familiar Streptococcus gallolyticus may be associated with a decrease in recommended colon cancer screening in patients with bacteremia from this organism. This could subsequently lead to a delay in diagnosis or underdiagnosis of colon cancer and other serious underlying gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether the nomenclature change of S. bovis to S. gallolyticus resulted in decreased colon cancer screening. Methods This study was a retrospective, observational, nationwide analysis of patients who had positive blood cultures for S. bovis/S. gallolyticus from any Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2017. Results There was no difference in the primary end point of intent for colonoscopy between the S. gallolyticus and S. bovis groups (66.5% [117/176] vs 62.1% [624/1005], respectively; P = .26). The overall mortality rate was 33.8% among 1181 patients included in the study, with a significantly lower mortality in patients with evidence of intent for colonoscopy (29.6% vs 42.5%; P ≤ .001), gastroenterology (GI) consultation (29.8% vs 41.4%; P < .001), infectious diseases (ID) consultation (29.4% vs 39.0%; P = .001), or either consultation (31.9% vs 40.7%; P = .013), compared to those that did not. Conclusions There was no difference in colon cancer screening rates between patients with episodes of bacteremia reported as S. bovis and those reported as S. gallolyticus. Overall mortality was lower in patients who had ID consultation, GI consultation, or evidence of colonoscopy.