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

Streptococcus are 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.

The original article can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptococcus.
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