Health Professionals’ Knowledge of Streptococcus bovis and its Association with Colonic Malignancy, Extra-Colonic Malignancies, and Liver Dysfunction

Rolina Al-Wassia,

Published on: 2020-08-04

Abstract

The relationship between Streptococcus bovis endocarditis/bacteremia and gastrointestinal abnormality, especially colon cancer, is well known. It is important to screen all patients diagnosed with S. bovis bacteremia or endocarditis for gastrointestinal abnormalities, especially colonic pathologies, as they can play a major role in decreasing the incidence of colon cancer. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of health professionals toward the association between S. bovis and its related pathologies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire that was distributed electronically to physicians (consultants, specialists, residents, and medical interns) from different specialties in Saudi Arabia. The analysis revealed insufficient knowledge of the association between S. bovis and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, more than half of the participants did not know about the importance of a colonoscopy as a screening method for colon cancer in patients diagnosed with S. bovis bacteremia and endocarditis. Moreover, only 22% of the participants knew that liver function tests could be abnormal in S. bovis bacteremia. In conclusion, this study showed physicians’ lack of knowledge about the relationship between S. bovis endocarditis/bacteremia and gastrointestinal disorders. This relationship should be emphasized in medical schools and hospitals.

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