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Streptococci Growth

Streptococci is a genus of Gram-positive, non-spore forming, non-moving bacteria. It is a lactic acid bacteria that belongs to the Firmucutes phylum. Because it divides along its axis, Streptococci typically grows in either pairs or chains of cells. It is this growth characteristic that gave its name, meaning "easily twisted" in Greek.

  1. The Facts

    • Streptococci, sometimes referred to as Group A Streptococcus pyogenes, have round and oval shaped cocci (micro-organism) that are approximately 0.6 to 1.0 micrometer in diameter. In order to grow, it requires enriched medium containing blood. Furthermore Streptococcus pyogenes is a common human pathogen; it is estimated that five to 15 percent of all people carry the bacteria in their respiratory tracts, without any symptoms.

    Features

    • Stretococcis is often found in an individual's skin and throat. While many individuals can carry the bacteria without symptoms, consequences can become life threatening when the bacteria gets into parts of a body where it is not normally found. According to the CDC, these areas include the lungs, muscles, and blood and Streptococcus found growing there is referred to as invasive GAP disease.

    Growth

    • Streptococci tend to grow in the upper respiratory tract. It also does not have oxidase (a common enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation/reduction reactions) nor catalase (a common enzyme that catalyzes hydrogen peroxide). Streptococci also have complex and chemically diverse cell walls. They have antigenic and extracellular components result in the bacteria's virulent nature (in particular in invasins and exotoxins). Furthermore, Streptococci's outermost capsule is made up of hyaluronic acid that allows the bacteria to disguise itself as part of the host and colonize.

    Warning

    • Streptococcus spreads through direct mucus contact, according to the CDC. This mucus contact usually includes transfer from the nose and throat to wounds and sores found on the skin. Individuals suffering from skin or throat infections are the ones mostly likely to spread the disease, however, those who carry the bacteria but do not exhibit symptoms are much less likely to catch the disease.

    Examples

    • Streptococci is transmitted through the air and can result in many types of suppurative infections (infections that give off pus). Over the last century, many individuals affected by Streptococci died as a result of puerperal fever (sepsis resulting from childbirth). Its other known diseases include scarlet fever, pharyngitis (strep throat), impetigo (skin infection), myositis, necrotizing fasciitis, erysipelas (a form of cellulitis), rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

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