The Streptococcus reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Streptococcus

Streptococcus
Scientific classification
Domain: Bacteria Phylum: Firmicutes Class: Bacillus Order: Lactobacillales Family: Streptococcaceae Genus: Streptococcus
Important Species
Species: pneumoniae Species: viridans Species: Group A, B, C, D, G

Streptococcus is a genus of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes. These bacteria grow in chains or pairs, with cell division occurring only along one axis. In this sense they are contrasted with Staphylococcus, which divides along several axes, generating a "cluster" of cellss, which resemble clusters of grapes.

Members of the genus Streptococcus which cause disease include:

• Group A Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) which causes strep throat
• Group B Streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) which causes meningitis in neonates and the elderly, with occasional systemic bacteremia.
• Group D Streptococci (S. durans, S. avium, S. bovis)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae which causes pneumonia
• Streptococcus viridans group which cause endocarditis and dental abscesses.

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