There are several kinds of streptococci bacteria, causing problems ranging from a sore throat to life-threatening infections of the blood or organs. Learn how they vary and how to prevent them. Understanding Streptococcal Infections: Causes and Treatments Streptococcal infections are caused by a group of bacteria known as Streptococcus . These infections can range from mild to severe, affecting different parts of the body and leading to a variety of symptoms and complications. In this article, we delve into the causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatments of streptococcal infections to provide a comprehensive understanding of these bacterial challenges. Streptococcus is one of the two medically important genera of gram-positive cocci, the other being Staphylococcus. Streptococci are identified as different species on blood agar on the basis of their hemolytic pattern and sensitivity to optochin and bacitracin. There are many pathogenic species of streptococci, including S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, and the viridans streptococci (e.g., S. mutans, S. mitis, and S. sanguinis). Streptococcal infections cause a wide array of ... Streptococcal infections are caused by any one of several species of Streptococcus . These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up) cause many disorders, including strep throat, pneumonia, and wound, skin, heart valve, and bloodstream infections.
