Knowra Streptococcus Streptococcus Streptococcus is a genus of Gram-positive, spherical bacteria that commonly form chains or pairs. Its species range from harmless members of human microbiota to pathogens that cause infections such as strep throat and pneumonia.
Gram-positive bacteria : Bacteria whose cell walls retain crystal violet dye in the Gram stain because of a thick peptidoglycan layer. Streptococcus belongs to this broad cell-wall group.
Streptolysin O : An oxygen-sensitive pore-forming toxin produced by some streptococci, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. It damages host cells and prompts antibodies measured in evidence of recent infection.
Streptococcus pyogenes : A human pathogen that causes strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, and invasive infections. This species is the principal cause of classic group A strep infections.
Strep throat : A sore throat caused by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes. It is among the most familiar diseases caused by this genus.
Enterococcus : A genus of Gram-positive bacteria that commonly inhabits the intestinal tract and can cause healthcare-associated infections. Enterococci were once grouped with streptococci but are now classified in a separate genus.
Bacterial morphology : The study and classification of bacterial shapes and arrangements. Streptococci are spherical cells often arranged in chains or pairs.
Streptolysin S : An oxygen-stable cytolytic toxin produced by Streptococcus pyogenes. It contributes to tissue injury and the beta-hemolysis seen around colonies.
Streptococcus pneumoniae : A bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, and other diseases, especially in young children and older adults. This species is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia.
Scarlet fever : An illness marked by a characteristic rash, usually caused by toxin-producing Streptococcus pyogenes. It shows how a streptococcal throat infection can produce a toxin-mediated syndrome.
Staphylococcus : A genus of Gram-positive, spherical bacteria that typically form clusters rather than chains. Its clustered cell arrangement contrasts with the chains often seen in Streptococcus.
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