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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the polysaccharide capsule of S. agalactiae?
Which of the following tests is used to identify Group B Streptococci?
Which disease is primarily associated with Group D Streptococci?
In which environment is Group B Streptococci typically found?
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What morphology and arrangement do Gram-positive S. agalactiae display?
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Which of the following is a characteristic culture requirement for S. agalactiae?
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What is a common serological test for identifying the capsule of S. agalactiae?
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Which of the following diseases is least likely associated with S. agalactiae?
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What is a characteristic clinical feature of scarlet fever?
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Which of the following infections are classified as suppurative infections?
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What type of test is primarily used for diagnosing pharyngitis?
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What is an important aspect of the culture requirements for growing S. pyogenes?
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Which of the following tests can differentiate S. pyogenes from other beta-hemolytic streptococci?
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Which condition can result as a post-streptococcal sequelae?
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What is the main characteristic of erysipelas as an invasive infection?
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What pathological mechanism is thought to contribute to post-streptococcal conditions?
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What indicates a positive reaction when testing for Streptococcus pyogenes?
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What is the principle behind the Schultz-Charlton reaction?
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If an individual has a positive Dick test result, what is expected to be observed?
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What indicates an immune response in the Dick test?
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What does a significant titer level of Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) indicate?
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Which of the following is NOT a specific test used for diagnosis of rheumatic fever?
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What is a characteristic of the pseudo-reaction in the Dick test?
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Why is no vaccine currently available for rheumatic fever?
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Which classification is used to differentiate types of hemolysis in streptococci?
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What is the arrangement of streptococci bacteria?
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Which of the following streptococci are classified as β-hemolytic?
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What is a key virulence factor associated with S. pyogens?
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Which enzyme produced by streptococci is responsible for lysis of fibrin?
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What type of hemolysin is Streptolysin O classified as?
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Which characteristic is NOT typical of streptococci?
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Which of the following statements best describes the capsule of S. pyogens?
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What characteristic appearance do colonies of the organism on blood agar show?
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What biochemical reaction differentiates S. pneumoniae from S. viridans?
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What type of reaction occurs when specific polyvalent antibodies are added to S. pneumoniae?
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Which group of individuals is most recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine?
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What characteristic distinguishes S. pneumoniae in terms of pathogenicity in mice?
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What is the Gram stain morphology of S. pneumoniae?
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What is a common predisposing factor for bacterial endocarditis caused by S. viridans?
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How does S. pneumoniae behave in terms of optochin sensitivity compared to S. viridans?
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Which clinical feature is associated with scarlet fever?
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What type of infections fall under suppurative infections caused by S. pyogenes?
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How does one identify S. pyogenes in culture?
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Which condition is a recognized post-streptococcal sequelae?
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What mechanism is thought to contribute to post-streptococcal diseases?
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What is the significance of the bacitracin sensitivity test for S. pyogenes?
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What characterizes the clinical presentation of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome?
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What timing is observed for the onset of post-streptococcal sequelae?
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What is the main reason the polysaccharide capsule of S. agalactiae is considered a virulence factor?
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Which of the following is NOT true about the CAMP test related to S. agalactiae?
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What differentiates Group D Streptococci from Group B Streptococci in culture characteristics?
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Which infection is predominantly caused by Group B Streptococci?
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What type of bacteria does the Quellung reaction specifically test for?
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What culture condition is ideal for growing S. agalactiae?
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The presence of which of the following indicates faecal pollution in water?
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What is a significant indicator of susceptibility in a Dick test for scarlet fever?
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What is one primary function of M-proteins in Streptococcus pyogenes?
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What is the importance of the capsular swelling reaction in identification?
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Which test assesses susceptibility to scarlet fever through the irritation caused by erythrogenic toxin?
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What defines a pseudo-reaction in the Dick test?
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Which of the following is an enzyme produced by streptococci that acts as a spreading factor?
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What does a significant titer level of Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) greater than 200 Todd units indicate?
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What characterizes Streptolysin O in terms of its reaction to oxygen?
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Which laboratory finding can be classified as a non-specific test for rheumatic fever?
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Which characteristic differentiates α-hemolytic streptococci from β-hemolytic streptococci?
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In the Schultz-Charlton reaction, what is the principle behind the disappearance of the rash?
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Which group of streptococci is known for its association with the highest number of surface protein variants?
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In terms of biological classification, what does the Lancefield classification system use to differentiate streptococci species?
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What does high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) indicate in a clinical setting?
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What is the primary specimen type used for the diagnosis of scarlet fever?
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What is a common feature of capsulated streptococci in terms of their immune evasion?
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Which of the following streptococci is classified as non-typable based on hemolysis?
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What is the appearance of colonies of S. pneumoniae on blood agar?
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Which biochemical characteristic can be used to differentiate S. pneumoniae from S. viridans?
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What does a positive Quellung reaction indicate?
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What is the pathogenicity of S. pneumoniae in mice upon intraperitoneal injection?
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Which group of individuals is commonly recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine?
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Which of the following conditions is S. viridans specifically associated with?
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What is the morphology of S. pneumoniae when observed under a Gram stain?
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How does S. pneumoniae react to optochin sensitivity compared to S. viridans?
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Study Notes
Group B Streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae)
- Found in normal vaginal, oral, and gastric flora
- Causes neonatal septicemia, pneumonia, meningitis
- CAMP test positive, bacitracin resistant
Group D Streptococci (Streptococcus faecalis) (Enterococci)
- Present in the gastrointestinal tract
- Considered an indicator of fecal pollution in water
- Causes urinary tract infections, wound infections
- Bile esculin hydrolysis test: positive
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci) Morphology and Characteristics
- Gram-positive, lancet-shaped cocci
- Arranged in diplococci
- Non-motile
- Non-spore-forming
-
Capsulated:
- The capsule appears as unstained halos around the cocci.
- Main virulence factor: The polysaccharide capsule resists phagocytosis.
- Serotyping: Classified into ≥ 80 serotypes based on the antigenic structure of the capsule.
- Detection: Can be detected by a serological test (Quellung reaction = capsular swelling reaction)
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci) Diseases
- Most frequent cause: Pneumonia and its complications, including bacteremia, meningitis, septic arthritis, and endocarditis.
- Common cause: Sinusitis, acute otitis media, and conjunctivitis.
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci) Samples
- Sputum
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci) Culture
-
Culture requirements:
- Oxygen: Facultative anaerobes
- Temperature: Optimum growth at 37°C
- Carbon Dioxide: Grow in normal CO2 concentration, but grow better in excess CO2.
-
Culture media:
- Ordinary media: Cannot grow on it.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Morphology and Characteristics
- Gram-positive cocci
- Arranged in chains or pairs
- Facultative anaerobes
- Non-motile
- Non-spore-forming
- Capsulated
-
Cell Wall:
- Carbohydrate (c) antigen: Used for Lancefield classification (Group A = S. pyogenes)
-
Protein antigens: M, R, and T-proteins
- M-proteins: > 50 types of S.pyogenes, important virulence factors
- R & T-proteins: Used as epidemiologic markers, no role in virulence
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Capsule
- Non-antigenic
- Composed of hyaluronic acid, similar to host connective tissue
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Virulence Factors:
-
Cell Wall Associated Proteins and Polymers:
- M-protein and Lipoteichoic acid: Adherence to cells, inhibit phagocytosis.
- M-protein and hyaluronic acid capsule: Inhibits phagocytosis
-
Enzymes:
- Streptokinase: Lysis of fibrin
- Streptodornase: Lysis of nucleic acid
- Hyaluronidase: Spreading factor that digests hyaluronic acid
-
Toxins:
- Streptolysin S: Oxygen-stable, non-antigenic hemolysin.
-
Streptolysin O: Oxygen-labile, antigenic hemolysin.
- Antibodies to Streptolysin O are used in the diagnosis of streptococcal diseases.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Exotoxins
-
Erythrogenic toxin:
- Causes the rash of scarlet fever.
- Associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Diseases
-
Suppurative Infections:
- Respiratory infections: Tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and pneumonia.
- Skin infections: Superficial (impetigo) or deep (cellulitis).
- Invasive infections: Bacteremia, osteomyelitis, wound infections, meningitis, endocarditis, puerperal sepsis, and erysipelas.
-
Toxogenic Diseases:
- Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS): Similar to Staphylococcal TSS.
- Scarlet fever: Affects children; clinical picture includes fever, skin rash, and stomatitis (strawberry tongue).
-
Post-Streptococcal Sequelae:
- Definition: Infections can cause sequelae, such as acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis.
- Timing: Begin 1-3 weeks after an acute streptococcal illness.
- Pathogenesis: Poorly understood, but thought to be immune-mediated (autoimmune response).
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Diagnosis
-
Diagnosis of suppurative infection:
-
Samples:
- Blood: Puerperal sepsis, erysipelas, endocarditis, bacteremia.
- Throat swab: Pharyngitis, scarlet fever.
- Sputum: Pneumonia.
-
Samples:
-
Gram Stain:
- Direct film stained with Gram stain for characteristic morphology.
-
Culture:
-
Culture requirements:
- Oxygen: Facultative anaerobes.
- Temperature: 37°C
- Carbon Dioxide: Grow in normal atmospheric CO2 concentration, but 10% CO2 enhances growth.
-
Culture media:
- Ordinary media: Cannot grow on it.
- Enriched media: Grow on blood agar, colonies are small (pinpoint), translucent, and surrounded by zones of β-hemolysis.
-
Culture requirements:
-
Identification of Growth (Biochemical Reactions):
- Film stained by Gram stain: Shows morphology.
- Catalase negative: Differentiates from Staphylococci.
- Bacitracin sensitivity: Sensitive (distinguishes from other beta-hemolytic streptococci which are bacitracin resistant).
- Specific identification of S. pyogenes: By reaction with specific antibodies.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Serology
- Clumping of latex particles indicates it is a Lancefield group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes).
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Diagnosis of Scarlet Fever
- Specimen: Throat swab, examined as mentioned above.
-
Schultz-Charlton reaction:
- Principle: Neutralization of the toxin with specific antitoxins.
- Procedure: Injection of antierythrogenic toxin into a rash; rash disappears within 6-12 hours.
-
Dick test (Test of Susceptibility):
- Uses: To assess susceptibility to scarlet fever.
- Principle: Erythrogenic toxin is irritating and causes a local reaction when injected intradermally, unless neutralized by specific antitoxin.
-
Method:
- 0.1 ml of toxin is injected intradermally into one forearm (test arm).
- The same amount of heated toxin (detoxified) is injected into the other forearm (control arm). Read results within 4-7 days.
-
Interpretation:
- Positive test (susceptible): Redness and swelling in the test arm that reaches maximum after 4-7 days and disappears gradually. No reaction in the control arm.
- Negative test (immune): No reaction on both arms.
- Pseudo-reaction (hypersensitivity): Reaction appears and disappears in both arms at the same time.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci) Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever
-
Clinical:
- Clinical picture and history of preceding streptococcal infections.
- Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
-
Non-specific tests:
- CRP is a non-specific protein that appears in serum during active rheumatic fever and other inflammatory conditions.
-
Specific tests:
-
Anti-streptolysin O (ASO):
- Purpose: To determine the titer of antibodies to streptolysin O toxin.
- Significance: A titer of 200 or more Todd units is significant.
- Other tests: Anti-DNase, anti-hyaluronidase, anti-streptokinase.
-
Anti-streptolysin O (ASO):
- Vaccine: Currently, no vaccine is available.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Morphology and Characteristics
- Habitat: Normal oral flora.
- Gram stain: Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs or short chains.
-
Morphology:
- Non-spore-forming.
- Non-motile
- Non-capsulated.
-
Culture:
- Produces α-hemolytic small colonies on blood agar.
- Resistant to optochin
- Not bile soluble.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Diseases
-
Bacterial endocarditis:
- Especially if heart valves are damaged by previous rheumatic fever or congenital heart disease.
- Dental manipulation associated with transient bacteremia is a common predisposing factor.
Streptococcus pneumoniae vs. Streptococcus viridans: Characteristics and Comparisons
Characteristic | Streptococcus pneumoniae | Streptococcus viridans |
---|---|---|
Inulin fermentation | Positive | Negative |
Bile solubility | Soluble | Not soluble |
Optochin sensitivity | Sensitive | Resistant |
Capsule and Quelling | Positive (Quelling reaction) | Negative |
Mice Pathogenicity | Pathogenic | Non-pathogenic |
Rheumatic Endocarditis | Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis | Acute Ulcerative Endocarditis |
Post-Streptococcal Infections
- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci: Causes post-streptococcal infections (e.g., rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis).
- Streptococcus viridans: Associated with subacute bacterial endocarditis.
- Streptococcus pyogenes: Causes acute ulcerative endocarditis.
- Streptococcus faecalis: Not associated with endocarditis.
- *Important Note- ** There may be a few additional details that are not fully fleshed out here, but this provides a comprehensive overview of the key information contained in the text, as requested.
Group B Streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae)
- Normal vaginal, oral, and gastric flora
- Causes: neonatal septicemia, pneumonia, meningitis
- CAMP test positive
- Bacitracin resistant
- Gram-positive lancet-shaped cocci
- Diplococci
- Non-motile
- Non-spore forming
- Capsulated (appears as unstained halos around cocci)
- Main virulence factor: polysaccharide capsule (resists phagocytosis)
- Classified into 80 serotypes based on capsule antigenic structure
- Can be detected by the Quellung reaction (capsular swelling reaction)
- Frequent cause of pneumonia and complications like bacteremia, meningitis, septic arthritis, and endocarditis
- Also causes sinusitis, acute otitis media, and conjunctivitis
- Grows in normal CO2 concentration, but better in excess CO2
-
Culture Media:
- Cannot grow on ordinary media
- Grown on enriched media (blood agar)
Group D Streptococci (Streptococcus Faecalis) (Enterococci)
- Present in the GIT
- Considered an indication of fecal pollution of water
- Causes: urinary tract infections, wound infections
- Bile esculin hydrolysis test: positive
Streptococcal Infections
- Classified into 18 different sero-groups (A → U) based on carbohydrate antigen (C-antigen) on cell wall
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)
- Streptococcus agalactia (Group B)
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)
-
Gram-positive cocci arranged in long chains
-
Non-motile, non-spore forming
-
Capsulated
-
Virulence Factors:
-
Cell Wall Associated Proteins and Polymers:
- M protein & Lipoteichoic acid: Adherence to cells, inhibit phagocytosis
- M protein & Hyaluronic Acid Capsule: Inhibit phagocytosis
-
Enzymes:
- Streptokinase: Lysis of fibrin
- Streptodornase: Lysis of nucleic acid
- Hyaluronidase: Spreading factor (digests hyaluronic acid)
-
Toxins:
- Streptolysin S: Oxygen-stable, non-antigenic, hemolysin
- Streptolysin O: Oxygen-labile, antigenic hemolysin (antibodies to streptolysin O used in diagnosis of streptococcal diseases)
- Erythrogenic toxin: Causes the rash of scarlet fever and has been associated with toxic shock-like syndrome
-
Cell Wall Associated Proteins and Polymers:
-
Diseases:
-
Suppurative Infections:
- Respiratory Infections: Tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia
- Skin Infections: Superficial (impetigo) or deep (cellulitis)
- Invasive Infections: Bacteremia, osteomyelitis, wound infections, meningitis, endocarditis, puerperal sepsis, erysipelas
-
Toxogenic Diseases:
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock-like Syndrome (TSS): Similar to staphylococcal TSS
- Scarlet fever: Affects children, causing fever, skin rash, and stomatitis (strawberry tongue)
-
Post-streptococcal Sequelae:
- Occur 1–3 weeks after a streptococcal illness
- Mechanism: Immune-mediated (e.g., antibodies produced during infection cross-react with host tissues)
-
Examples:
- Acute rheumatic fever
- Acute glomerulonephritis
-
Suppurative Infections:
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus)
-
Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs or short chains
-
Non-motile, non-spore forming, and non-capsulated
-
α-hemolytic (small colonies on blood agar)
-
Resistant to optochin and not bile-soluble
-
Causes: Pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, otitis media
-
Specific Identification:
- Film stained by Gram stain to show morphology
- Biochemical reactions: Ferment inulin, bile-soluble
- Sensitive to optochin
- Pathogenicity to mice: Intraperitoneal injection of culture into mice leads to death within 18–48 hours due to septicemia
- Capsular swelling reaction (Quellung reaction): Swelling of the capsule after addition of specific polyvalent antibodies
-
Vaccination:
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Contains capsular material from 23 pathogenic strains
- Recommended for young children, elderly, and debilitated persons
Streptococcus viridans
- Gram-positive cocci
- Non-spore forming
- Non-motile
- Produces α-hemolytic small colonies on blood agar
- Resistant to optochin (distinguishes it from S. pneumoniae)
- Bile insoluble
- Considered normal oral flora
- Causes:
- Dental caries
- Bacterial endocarditis (especially if heart valves have been damaged by rheumatic fever or congenital heart disease)
Differentiating Streptococci
Streptococcus pneumoniae | Streptococcus viridans | |
---|---|---|
Inulin Fermentation | Positive | Negative |
Bile Solubility | Soluble | Not soluble |
Optochin Sensitivity | Sensitive | Resistant |
Capsule & Quellung Reaction | Positive | Negative |
Mice Pathogenicity | Pathogenic | Non pathogenic |
Endocarditis | Subacute bacterial endocarditis | Acute ulcerative endocarditis |
Diagnosis of Streptococcal Infections
Diagnosis of Suppurative Infection
-
Samples:
- Blood: Puerperal sepsis, erysipelas, endocarditis, bacteremia
- Throat swab: Pharyngitis, scarlet fever
- Sputum: Pneumonia
-
Gram Staining:
- Direct film stained for characteristic morphology
-
Culture:
- Requirements: Facultative anaerobes, optimum temperature 37°C, normal atmospheric CO2 concentration (10% CO2 enhances growth)
- Media: Cannot grow on ordinary media, grows on blood agar (small, translucent colonies surrounded by zones of β-hemolysis)
-
Identification:
- Film stained with Gram stain to show morphology
- Biochemical reactions: Catalase negative
- Bacitracin sensitivity: Sensitive (differentiates from other β-hemolytic streptococci, which are resistant)
- Specific identification of S. pyogenes: Reaction with specific antibodies
- Serology: Latex agglutination test (Clumping of latex particles in the "A" circle indicates Group A)
Diagnosis of Scarlet Fever
- Specimen: Throat swab
-
Schultz-Charlton Reaction
- Principle: Neutralization of erythrogenic toxin with specific antitoxin
- Procedure: Injection of antierythrogenic toxin into the rash causes rash disappearance within 6–12 hours.
-
Dick Test (Test of Susceptibility)
- Uses: Assess susceptibility to scarlet fever
- Principle: Erythrogenic toxin is irritating and causes a local reaction when injected intradermally unless neutralized by specific antitoxin
- Method: 0.1 ml of toxin intradermally in one forearm (test arm); same amount of heated (detoxified) toxin in the other forearm (control arm)
-
Interpretation:
- Positive Test: Redness and swelling in the test arm that reaches maximum after 4–7 days and disappears gradually; No reaction in the control arm
- Negative Test: No reaction in both arms
- Pseudo-reaction (hypersensitivity): Reaction appears and disappears in both arms simultaneously
Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever
- Clinical Picture and History: History of preceding streptococcal infections
-
Non-specific Tests:
- C-reactive protein (CRP): Increased in active rheumatic fever as well as inflammatory conditions
- ESR: Elevated
-
Specific Tests:
- Increase in the titer of:
- Anti-streptolysin O (ASO): Used to determine the titer of antibodies to streptolysin O toxin ( titer of 200 or more Todd units is significant)
- Anti-DNase
- Anti-hyaluronidase
- Anti-streptokinase
- Increase in the titer of:
- No vaccine is currently available for streptococcal infections.
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