Streptococcus

Streptococcus

Scientific classification

Domain:	Bacteria
Phylum:	Firmicutes
Class:	Baccilus
Order:	Lactobacillales
Family:	Streptococcaceae
Genus:	Streptococcus

Important Species

Species:	pneumoniae
Species:	viridans
Species:	Group A, B, C, D, G

Streptococcus are spherical, gram-positive bacteria of the phylum firmicutes. These bacteria grow in chains or pairs, with cell division occurring only along one axis. In this sense they are contrasted with Staphylococcus, which divides along several axes, generating a "cluster" of cellss, which resemble clusters of grapes.

Members of the genus Streptococcus which cause disease include:

Group A Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) which causes strep throat

Group B Streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) which causes meningitis in neonates and the elderly, with occasional systemic bacteremia.

Group D Streptococci (S. durans, S. avium, S. bovis)

Streptococcus pneumoniae which causes pneumonia

Streptococcus viridans group which cause endocarditis and dental abscesses.