Rank: Species

Lineage: Bacteria;Firmicutes;Bacilli;Lactobacillales;Streptococcaceae;Streptococcus;Streptococcus pyogenes

Description: Streptococci. Streptococci are Gram-positive, nonmotile, nonsporeforming, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. Members of this genus vary widely in pathogenic potential. Most streptococci are facultative anaerobes, and some are obligate anaerobes. The genus is classified on the basis of colony morphology, hemolysis, biochemical reactions, and serologic specificity. They are divided into three groups by the type of hemolysis on blood agar plates: beta-hemolytic, alpha-hemolytic or gamma-hemolytic. Serologic grouping is based on antigenic differences in cell wall carbohydrates, in cell wall pili-associated protein, and in the polysaccharide capsule in group B streptococci. Streptococcus pyogenes. This organism is a member of the normal human nasopharyngeal flora. S. pyogenes is a group A streptococcus and is the leading cause of uncomplicated bacterial pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Infections can also result in sinusitis, otitis, mastoiditis, pneumonia with empyema, joint or bone infections, necrotizing fasciitis or myositis, and, more infrequently, in meningitis or endocarditis. S. pyogenes infections of the skin can be superficial (impetigo) or deep (cellulitis). This organism is commonly referred to by the lay press as "flesh eating bacteria." More >> Less >>

Reference Material:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/?term=Streptococcus%20pyogenes