Streptococci are a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that form chains or pairs and are known for causing various infections in humans. They are classified based on their hemolytic properties and carbohydrate antigens on their cell walls.
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Streptococci are divided into groups A, B, C, D, and G based on the Lancefield classification system.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for diseases such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and rheumatic fever.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of bacterial pneumonia and meningitis.
The identification of streptococci in the laboratory often involves hemolysis patterns on blood agar plates: alpha (partial), beta (complete), or gamma (none).
Agglutination assays can be used to identify specific streptococcal species by detecting unique carbohydrate antigens.