Streptococcal

Streptococcal (pronunciation: strep·to·coc·cal /ˌstreptəˈkäk(ə)l/) refers to anything related to or caused by any of the various species of the genus Streptococcus, a group of Gram-positive bacteria.

Etymology

The term "Streptococcal" is derived from the Greek words "streptos" meaning twisted and "kokkos" meaning berry. This is in reference to the characteristic arrangement of the bacteria in chains or pairs.

Related Terms

Streptococcus: A genus of coccus (spherical) Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes and the order Lactobacillales.
Streptococcal pharyngitis: Also known as strep throat, it is an infection of the back of the throat including the tonsils caused by group A streptococcus.
Streptococcal Infections: Infections caused by bacteria in the genus Streptococcus. They range from mild conditions like strep throat and impetigo to severe conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Rheumatic fever: An inflammatory disease that can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. It is a complication of untreated strep throat caused by strains of streptococci.
Scarlet fever: Also known as scarlatina, it is an infection that can develop in people who have strep throat. It is characterized by a bright red rash on the body, usually accompanied by a high fever and sore throat.