Streptococcus
[strep″to-kok´us] a genus of gram-positive, facultatively aerobic cocci (family Streptococcaceae) occurring in pairs or chains. It is separable into the pyogenic group, the viridans group, the enterococcus group, and the lactic group. The first group includes the beta-hemolytic human and animal pathogens; the second and third include alpha-hemolytic parasitic forms occurring as normal flora in the upper respiratory tract and the intestinal tract, respectively; and the fourth is made up of saprophytic forms.
Streptococcus mu´tans a species implicated in dental caries.
Streptococcus pneumo´niae a small, slightly elongated, encapsulated coccus, one end of which is pointed or lance-shaped; the organisms commonly occur in pairs. This is the most common cause of lobar
pneumonia, and it also causes serious forms of
meningitis,
septicemia,
empyema, and
peritonitis. There are some 80 serotypes distinguished by the polysaccharide hapten of the capsular substance. Called also
pneumococcus.
Streptococcus pyo´genes a beta-hemolytic, toxigenic, pyogenic species that causes septic
sore throat,
scarlet fever,
rheumatic fever,
puerperal fever, acute
glomerulonephritis, and other conditions in humans.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
Strep·to·coc·cus py·og·e·nes
a bacterial species found in the human mouth, throat, and respiratory tract and in inflammatory exudates, the bloodstream, and cellulitic lesions in human diseases; it is sometimes found in the udders of cows and in dust from sickrooms, hospital wards, schools, theaters, and other public places; it causes the formation of pus, fatal septicemia, and necrotizing fascitis and myositis. There is also a specific somatic antigen (M protein) for each of the approximately 85 types. It is the type species of the genus Streptococcus.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Strep·to·coc·cus py·og·e·nes
(strep'tō-kok'ŭs pī-oj'ĕ-nēz) A bacterial species found in the human mouth, throat, and respiratory tract and in inflammatory exudates, bloodstream, and lesions in human diseases; it is sometimes found in the udders of cows and in dust from sickrooms, hospital wards, schools, theaters, and other public places; it causes the formation of pus or even fatal septicemias.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
Streptococcus pyogenes
A common bacterium that causes strep throat and can also cause tonsillitis.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Strep·to·coc·cus py·og·e·nes
(strep'tō-kok'ŭs pī-oj'ĕ-nēz) A bacterial species found in the human mouth, throat, and respiratory tract and in inflammatory exudates, bloodstream, and lesions in human diseases found in dust from sickrooms, hospital wards, schools, theaters, and other public places; causes formation of pus or even fatal septicemias.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012