Cultural Characteristics of Streptococcus

1. They are aerobic and facultative anaerobes.

2. They grow best at 37 degree Celsius.

3. Group D grow well at between 10 degree Celsius and 45 degree Celsius.

4. Growth is poor on solid media or broth.

5. Grow well in media containing blood and sugar ( fermentable carbohydrates) and 10% CO2 in environment promotes growth and hemolysis.

6. Selective media containing aminoglycosides or 1:500,000 crystal violet selectively permit the growth of Streptococci in a mixed culture and inhibit other bacteria.

7. Colony on blood agar is non-pigmented.

8. Complete hemolysis ( B-hemolysis) on blood containing agar.

9. Alpha hemolysis shows greenish coloration due to hydrogen peroxide released from the colonies and inducing oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin.

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