The Relationship Between Different Types of Streptococci and Pharyngotonsillitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Streptococci were initially viewed by Louis Pasteur in 1879. Brown, in 1919, created the first systematized classification of streptococci in α, β and γ. Rebecca Lancefield contributed for knowledge of streptococcal polysaccharides discovering groups and M cell wall protein. Streptococciare gram positive, catalase and oxidase negative. Streptococci related to pathogenesis of acute sore throat are Streptococcus β-hemolytic of the groups A, B, C, F and G.
Objective: Our objective was to make a review of the different types of streptococcus that can cause infection in the oropharynx.
Review: Streptococcus pyogenes is belonging to the Lancefield grouping. Skin and mucous membranes of humans are the only known reservoir in the nature of streptococcus group A. Streptococcus of Group B (SGB) was originally isolated by Nocard in 1887. The primary habi-tat of these bacteria is the human colon, although it may colonize the oropharynx and espe-cially, the vagina. For this reason, in mid-1960, the SGB has become a major cause of perinatal bacterial infection, including bacteremia and urinary tract infection in pregnant women. Group C is involved in purulent pharyngitis outbreaks. According to Fox et al, Streptococcus angino-sus is the most common isolate β-hemolytic group C in the oropharynx. Streptococcus Group C (SGC) is reported as “pyogenes-like” because it shares important virulence factors such as hemolysins, extracellular enzymes and M proteins as well as the SGA.
Conclusion: We conclude that it’s important to have knowledge about the different types of streptococci to better treat patients with sore throats and problems associated with this condition