Streptococcus bacteria are commonly found in human throat, mouth and in respiratory tract. It spreads easily in air and is responsible for sore throat, fever and sometimes pneumonia. This is a gram positive bacterium. It contains pathogenic and commensal bacteria.
Streptococcus bacteria are found in many hosts like human, pigs, cows, horses etc. though they reside in mouth and respiratory organs only, sometimes they may also found in skin, heart and muscle tissues.
The pathogenic streptococci in man cause various diseases like sore throat, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever etc. They are divided into groups. Group A streptococci is a pus producing bacteria in wound. Group B streptococci are responsible for neonatal diseases. This type of bacterium is also found in female reproductive organs and may cause premature rupture of membranes. The bacteria can be easily transmitted to the baby and may also cause some infections. Therefore pregnant women in the gestation period of 35 to 37 weeks need to diagnose for Group B streptococci bacteria.
