Streptococci are spherical bacteria that can reproduce without the supply of oxygen but through fermentation . There are different strains of streptococci, most strains are harmless. Streptococcus is usually not considered dangerous as long as the individual's immune system is intact and there are no particular health problems. However, if the immune system is weakened or certain people have a chronic illness, streptococcus can be potentially dangerous . In these cases, infection risks leading to serious complications, including sepsis , a life-threatening condition that occurs when the bacterium spreads throughout the body.
Streptococci are divided into different groups according to certain criteria. Streptococci produce the so-called bacterial toxins Streptolysins , which attack and destroy red blood cells. This process of the dissolution of red blood cells is also Hemolysis called. This results in the following types:
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Alpha-hemolytic Streptococci
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Beta-hemolytic (complete hemolysis) streptococci
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Gamma hemolytic (no hemolysis) streptococci
The beta-hemolytic streptococci are then still in the so-called Lancefield groups categorized:
Group A (“Streptococcus pyogenes”) – typical infections : scarlet fever, tonsillitis, erysipelas
Group B (“Streptococcus agalactiae”) – typical infections: Urinary tract infections, wound infections.
Group C, F, G – typical infections: purulent infections mostly in the mouth and teeth area
Group D (“Enterococci”) – typical infections: Wound infections, intestinal infections.
If an infection with streptococci occurs, numerous diseases can arise, some of which can be very dangerous. A streptococcal infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in childhood . The number of deaths of children due to A streptococci is currently increasing enormously again.