Streptococci Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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streptococci
[หstrษp.tษ.koส.saษช ]
Definition
bacterial classification
Streptococci are a type of bacteria that are characterized by their spherical shape and formation in chains. They are gram-positive and are known to cause various infections in humans and animals, such as strep throat, pneumonia, and meningitis. There are several species of streptococci, some of which are part of the normal flora of the human body, while others can be pathogenic. Streptococci are also classified into groups based on their hemolytic properties, which is the ability to break down red blood cells. Understanding these bacteria is critical for diagnosing and treating infections associated with them.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Streptococci can cause strep throat.
- Doctors test for streptococci when diagnosing bacterial infections.
- There are different types of streptococci, including Group A and Group B.
- Streptococci are studied in microbiology labs.
Translations
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Origin of 'streptococci'
The term 'streptococci' comes from the Greek word 'streptos,' meaning 'twisted,' and 'coccus,' which means 'berry' in Latin. This etymology reflects the characteristic chain formation of these bacteria, similar to a string of berries. The study of streptococci began in the 19th century with the work of scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, who identified various species and their roles in infectious diseases. The classification of streptococci was further refined in the early 20th century, with the development of bacterial culture techniques and the implementation of serological testing. Today, streptococci are classified into different groups based on their carbohydrate composition of antigens found on their cell wall, leading to a better understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms and the diseases they cause.