3. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae , or S. pneumoniae or pneumococci, can be found in the respiratory tract of adults and, less often in children, and is responsible for diseases such as otitis, sinusitis, meningitis and, especially, pneumonia.
Pneumonia is the main disease caused by this microorganism, and can be identified through respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, breathing faster than normal and excessive tiredness, for example. Know other symptoms of pneumonia.
The treatment for S. pneumoniae infection is done with the use of antibiotics, which should be recommended by the doctor, such as Penicillin, Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Sulfametoxazol-Trimetoprim and Tetracycline.
4. Streptococcus viridans
Streptococcus viridans , also known as S. viridans , mainly constitutes the oral and pharyngeal cavities and has a protective role, preventing colonization of the region by pathogenic bacterial species, such as S. pyogenes.
Streptococcus mitis , belonging to the S. viridans group, is present on the surface of teeth and mucous membranes, and its presence can be identified through the visualization of dental plaques. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream during tooth brushing or tooth extraction, for example, especially when the gums are inflamed. However, in healthy people, these bacteria are easily eliminated from the bloodstream, but when the person has a predisposing condition, such as atherosclerosis, use of intravenous drugs or heart problems, for example, the bacteria can grow in a certain location on the body, resulting in endocarditis.
Streptococcus mutans , which also belongs to the S. viridans group, is present mainly in tooth enamel and its presence in teeth is directly related to the amount of sugar consumed, being the main responsible for the occurrence of dental caries.
How to identify
The identification of infection by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus is done in the laboratory through specific tests. The doctor will indicate, according to the symptoms presented by the person, the material that will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, which may be blood, discharge from the throat, mouth or vaginal discharge, for example.
Specific tests are carried out in the laboratory to indicate that the bacterium causing the infection is Streptococcus , in addition to other tests that allow the identification of the species of bacteria, which is important for the doctor to complete the diagnosis. In addition to the identification of the species, biochemical tests are carried out to check the sensitivity profile of the bacteria, that is, to check which are the best antibiotics to fight this infection.
