STREPTOCOCCUS VIRIDANS Meaning and
Definition
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Streptococcus viridans is a descriptive term for a group of bacteria within the Streptococcus genus that are characterized by their characteristic green or alpha-hemolytic colonies when grown on blood agar. This group of bacteria includes several species, such as Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus oralis.
These bacteria are part of the normal flora that resides in the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract of humans. They are characterized by being gram-positive, nonmotile, non-spore-forming, and facultative anaerobes.
Streptococcus viridans bacteria play an essential role in maintaining the microbial balance within these areas of the body. However, under certain circumstances, they can cause opportunistic infections. They are a common cause of dental caries (tooth decay) as they adhere to the tooth surface and produce acids that erode the enamel, leading to cavities. They can also cause various infections, such as endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart) and abscesses, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
The identification of Streptococcus viridans can be done through various laboratory methods, including culture and biochemical tests, as well as molecular techniques. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics, such as penicillin, tailored to the specific strain of bacteria causing the infection, taking into account its susceptibility patterns.
Overall, Streptococcus viridans bacteria are important members of the human microbiota, but their ability to cause infections warrants attention and appropriate treatment when necessary.
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A form which grows in green colonies, is not hemolytic, and produces neither gas nor pus; it is a frequent cause of neuritis and non-suppurative arthritis, the focus of infection often being in the teeth or tonsils.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STREPTOCOCCUS VIRIDANS
- atreptococcus viridans
- ztreptococcus viridans
- xtreptococcus viridans
- dtreptococcus viridans
- etreptococcus viridans
- wtreptococcus viridans
- srreptococcus viridans
- sfreptococcus viridans
- sgreptococcus viridans
- syreptococcus viridans
- s6reptococcus viridans
- s5reptococcus viridans
- steeptococcus viridans
- stdeptococcus viridans
- stfeptococcus viridans
- stteptococcus viridans
- st5eptococcus viridans
- st4eptococcus viridans
- strwptococcus viridans
- strsptococcus viridans
Etymology of STREPTOCOCCUS VIRIDANS
The word "Streptococcus" has a Greek origin. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "strepto", meaning twisted or curved, and "kokkos", meaning grain or seed. This is a reference to the curved or twisted shape of bacteria belonging to the Streptococcus genus.
On the other hand, the term "viridans" has a Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "viridis", which means green. It refers to the green color that certain strains of Streptococcus viridans bacteria can produce when cultured.
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