Streptococcus is a bacterium that causes a range of diseases - from harmless but troublesome folliculitis to potentially fatal colorectal cancer and toxic shock syndrome. It can also be dangerous for pregnant women as it may endanger the development of the fetus. What is streptococcus and what other diseases does it cause?

Streptococci , i.e.streptococci , (LatinStreptococcus ) is a type of Gram positive bacteria . A characteristic feature of streptococci is their high invasiveness, because they produce hyaluronidases, which facilitate the invasion of these microorganisms from the gate of infection into the skin and connective tissue. In addition, some streptococci have a cell membrane and envelope with antigenic properties similar to human tissues, which can avoid the response of the human immune system and cause tissue damage.

Purulent streptococcus - what diseases does it cause?

Purulent streptococcus ( Streptococcus pyogenes) belongs to group A streptococci and is responsible for diseases such as:

  • streptococcal pharyngitis
  • scarlet fever (scarlet fever)
  • rose
  • impetigo
  • purulent angina
  • otitis media
  • sepsis
  • endocarditis
  • glomerulonephritis
  • necrotizing fasciitis
Important

Dangerous Pneumococcus

Pneumococcus , otherwiseCleansing Pneumonia( Streptococcus pneumoniae ), is a type of streptococcus, which occurs in the throat and nasal sinuses in 5-10 percent. he althy adults and 20-40 percent he althy children. For them it is harmless, but is especially dangerous for children (up to 2 years of age), the elderly (over 65 years of age) and those with a weakened immune system. These people are at increased risk of the so-called invasive infection. It can lead to:

  • acute pneumonia (which can rapidly lead to pulmonary edema and respiratory failure, which is life-threatening)
  • meningeal infections
  • bloodstream infections (bacteremia)
  • generalized blood poisoning (sepsis)

Dairy streptococcus (GBS) - what diseases does it cause?

Group B streptococci, abbreviatedGBS( Streptococcus agalactiae ), are harmless and form part of the gastrointestinal flora, including cavities the mouth and intestines, and the upper respiratory tract. They are also found on human skin. They occur even in every third person (both women and men).

This type of streptococcus is dangerous during pregnancy because it can colonize the female genital tract (colonization spreads from the anus to the genital tract), increasing the risk of vaginal bacteria getting into the amniotic fluid, rupturing the membranes and premature birth.These bacteria are also dangerous to newborns because of their weak immune system.Group B streptococcus can cause themsepsisor pneumonia.

Fecal streptococcus - what diseases does it cause?

Faecal streptococcus ( Enterococcus faecalis ) occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and only under certain conditions (e.g. during treatment with antibiotics) can it become pathogenic. It most commonly infects the urinary tract and gall bladder. Superoxides (free radicals)E. faecalisare mutagenic substances and may contribute to the formation of colon cancer.

As scientists from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma argue, peroxides formed in the fermentation of the microbe, probably damage human DNA, disrupt the system of intercellular signaling and stimulate the activity of macrophages.

Macrophages are part of the immune system and kill off the bacteria or viruses that attack when they are infected. However, when cancer develops, they can help the cancer cells grow. The reason for the lack of defense by the immune system is probably that the cancer grows from cells in the body that are not harmful to the body from outside.

Green streptococcus - what diseases does it cause?

Green streptococcus ( Streptococcus viridans ) is a component of the oral bacterial flora. May cause endocarditis and tooth abscess.

Category:

Infectious diseases