Streptococci are spherical bacteria, which are also without the supply of oxygen but through fermentation. There are different tribes of streptococci, most of the tribes are harmless. Streptococci are usually not considered dangerous as long as the immune system of the individual is intact and there are no special health problems. However, if that Immune system weakened or certain people have a chronic disease, can streptococcal possibly dangerous become. In these cases there is a risk that infection leads to serious complications, including sepsis, one life -threatening conditionthe appearance when the bacterium spreads throughout the body.
Streptococci are divided into different groups according to certain criteria. Streptococci form the so -called bacterial toxins Streptolysineattack and destroy the red blood cells. This process of the dissolution of the red blood cells is also Hemolysis called. This results in the following species:
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Alpha-hemolyzing Streptococci
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Beta-hemolyzing (Complete hemolysis) Streptococci
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Gamma Hemmolyzing (no hemolysis) Streptococci
The beta-hemolyzing streptococcal will then be in the so -called Lancefield groups categorized:
Group A ("Streptococcus pyogenes") - Typical infections: Scarlach, tonsillitis, red run
Group B ("Streptococcus agalactiae") - Typical infections: Urinary tract infections, wound infections.
Group C, F, G - Typical infections: purulent infections mostly in the mouth and tooth area
Group D ("Enterococcal") - Typical infections: Wound infections, intestinal infections.
If there is an infection with streptococci, this numerous diseases can occur from which some can also be very dangerous. A streptococcal infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in childhood. The number of children's deaths is currently increasing enormously due to the A-streptococci.