Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
streptococcus
References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images
Streptococcus pyogenes Illustration of Streptococcus mutans bacteria as linked, round purple cells forming chains on a textured, pinkish surface representing tissue in the mouth. Streptococcus pneumoniae group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus; rheumatic fever Streptococcus mutans
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pyogenes The bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes is a cause of strep throat, a common illness in humans.

streptococcus

bacteria
Also known as: Streptococcus
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

streptococcus, (genus Streptococcus), genus of gram-positive, spherical bacteria, many species of which are normal inhabitants of the human body, while others are important causes of infectious disease. The name Streptococcus is derived from the Greek streptos, meaning “twisted,” and kokkos, meaning “berry,” in reference to the bacteria’s tendency to form chains resembling strings of beads. This arrangement results from repeated cell division in a single plane, with daughter cells remaining attached after division. Indeed, members...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile