Streptococcus

70,000X magnification electron micrograph of an ultra-thin section of Streptococcus pyogenes. Image source: Dr. Vincent A. Fischetti, Rockefeller University

A genus of bacterium responsible for many common infections, including strep throat, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, and puerperal fevers. A related organism is a common cause of pneumonia and one type may cause endocarditis in damaged heart valves.

Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice.

Rheumatic fever and Bright's disease are late immune responses to Streptococcus.

Related categories

• HEALTH AND DISEASE
• MICROBIOLOGY

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