Streptococci

Streptococcaceae family bacteria genus. They are spherical or ovoid in shape, 0.6-1.0 µm in diameter, nonmotile, non-spore forming, gram-positive facultative anaerobes, usually arranged in chains. They reproduce in the human and animal body (in the intestines, oral cavity, tissues), in feces, milk, and its products. They multiply by dividing in one plane. Some species cause lactic acid fermentation (e.g., S. lactis). Pathogenic species of streptococci (e.g., S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. zooepidemicus) produce toxins, causing diseases in humans and animals (abscesses, sepsis, erysipelas, scarlet fever, streptoderma, pharyngitis, acute glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, pneumonia), avian streptococcosis. The spreading infection is often the cause of toxic shock.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė