Streptococcus milleri in appendicitis in children.

A retrospective survey of 253 appendectomies performed on children over a period of one year was carried out. Streptococcus milleri was isolated from pus in 11 (29%) of the 38 children who developed postoperative infections; it was the most commonly identified pathogen in these children. It is concluded that S milleri is a significant pathogen in childhood appendicitis, and that this fact should be taken into account when antibiotic therapy is being planned.