S. gallolyticus (bovis), one of the nonenterococcal group D streptococci, was previously considered a member of the viridans group but has a different habitat and clinical significance (see Chapter 202).
Is strep Viridans a contaminant?
The clinical significance of the growth of viridans streptococci is always uncertain, since these bacteria can be contaminants from the skin flora. Growth in more than one culture bottle strengthens the clinical value of the finding.