Which bacteria can cause infections like strep throat?

Streptococci are a type of bacteria known for their spherical shape and tendency to form chains. They are responsible for various infections, including strep throat. This condition occurs when the bacteria infect the throat and tonsils, leading to symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The term "streptococcus" itself indicates their classification, as "strepto" refers to the chains they form and "coccus" indicates their round shape.

In the context of infections, streptococci are significant because they include several harmful strains, one of which is Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly associated with strep throat. Knowing this is crucial for anyone in the health or beauty fields, as it highlights the importance of sanitation and hygiene practices in preventing bacterial infections during services such as manicures and pedicures.

Other types of bacteria, while important in their own right, are not typically associated with strep throat. For instance, diplococci refer to bacteria that appear in pairs and can be responsible for other infections, spirilla are spiral-shaped and often related to conditions like syphilis, and bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria known for causing diseases such as tuberculosis and anthrax, but not strep