streptococcus
/,streptou'kɔləs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that typically occurs in pairs or chains. Certain species of this bacterium are pathogenic and can cause various infections in humans, such as scarlet fever, tonsillitis, and strep throat.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The laboratory test confirmed the presence of streptococcus in the throat culture.
- Scarlet fever is caused by a specific strain of streptococcus.
- Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat infections caused by streptococcus.
Advanced Usage
"Streptococcus pyogenes": The specific species of streptococcus responsible for many acute infections, including strep throat and impetigo.
- The doctor explained that Streptococcus pyogenes was the causative agent of her son's tonsillitis.
"Beta-hemolytic streptococcus": A classification based on how the bacterium breaks down red blood cells in a culture; Group A and Group B streptococci fall into this category and are significant human pathogens.
- The test identified the infection as being caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus.
Variants and Related Words
Streptococcal (adj): Pertaining to or caused by streptococcus.
- She was diagnosed with a streptococcal infection.
Streptococci (n): The plural form of streptococcus.
- Different types of streptococci can inhabit the human body.
Synonyms
- Strep (n, informal): A common shortened form, especially in terms like "strep throat."
- Coccus (n, general): A general term for any spherical bacterium; streptococcus is a specific type of coccus that forms chains.
Related Phrases and Terms
Group A streptococcus (GAS): A common term for Streptococcus pyogenes, associated with a wide range of diseases.
- Public health officials monitor outbreaks of Group A streptococcus.
Group B streptococcus (GBS): A type commonly found in the human gut and vagina, which can cause serious infections in newborns.
- Pregnant women are often screened for Group B streptococcus.
Noun
- spherical Gram-positive bacteria occurring in pairs or chains; cause e.g. scarlet fever and tonsillitis