Streplococcus Essay

Streptococcus is a genus of non-motile gram-positive cocci classified by serological types (Lancefield groups A through T), by hemolytic action (a, B, Y) when grown on blood agar, and by reaction to bacterial viruses (phage types 1 to 86). The various species occur in pairs, short chains, and chains. Some are facultative aerobes, and some are anaerobic. Some species also are hemolytic, and others are non-hemolytic. Many species cause disease in humans. Streptococcus faecalis, a penicillin-resistant group D Enterococcus and normal inhabitant of the GI tract may cause infection of the urinary tract or endocardium. Streptococcus pneumoniae, formerly Diplococcus pneumoniae, causes a majority of the cases of bacterial pneumonia in the United States. Streptococcus pyogenes belongs to group A and may cause tonsillitis and respiratory, urinary, or skin infections. Some beta-hemolytic strains may lead to rheumatic fever or to glomerulonephritis. Streptococcus viridans, a member of the normal flora of the mouth, is the most common cause of bacterial endocarditis, especially when introduced into the bloodstream during dental procedures. (Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, Elsevier/Mobsy).
Streptococcus beta-hemolytic is a strain of Streptococcus, group A in the Lancefield classification, that causes necrotizing fasciitis toxic syndrome. Streptococcus …show more content…
The infections that Streptococcus causes are strep throat, Streptococcal angina, Streptococcal infection, and streptococcemia. However, there are treatments and medicine to help prevent the infections caused by Streptococcus. Penicillin, the first antibiotic that was discovered by accident, is used to treat strep throat. Streptokinase-streptodornase and streptolysin are also used to in treatment involving