Beta-hemolytic
| Streptococcus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Firmicutes |
| Class: | Bacilli |
| Order: | Lactobacillales |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Streptococcus Rosenbach, 1884 |
| Species | |
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Streptococcus is a genus of coccus (spherical) Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes and the order Lactobacillales (lactic acid bacteria). Cell division in this genus occurs along a single axis in these bacteria, thus they grow in chains or pairs, hence the name—from Greek στρεπτός streptos, meaning easily bent or twisted, like a chain (twisted chain). (Contrast this with staphylococci, which divide along multiple axes and generate grape-like clusters of cells.)
Most are oxidase-negative and catalase-negative, and many are facultative anaerobes.
In 1984, many bacteria formerly considered Streptococcus were separated out into the genera Enterococcus and . Currently, over 50 species are recognised in this genus. This genus has been found to be part of the salivary microbiome.
In addition to (strep throat), certain Streptococcus species are responsible for many cases of pink eye,meningitis, bacterial pneumonia, endocarditis, erysipelas, and necrotizing fasciitis (the 'flesh-eating' bacterial infections). However, many streptococcal species are not pathogenic, and form part of the commensal human microbiota of the mouth, skin, intestine, and upper respiratory tract. Furthermore, streptococci are a necessary ingredient in producing Emmentaler ("Swiss") cheese.
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Wikipedia