Pneumococcus
Pneumococcus is probably the most common and most important pathogen amongst the streptococci. It is a normal commensal of the upper respiratory tract.
Pneumococcus is a Gram-positive lanceolate diplococcus with an antigenic carbohydrate capsule which conveys virulence.
Pneumococcus shows alpha haemolytic activity but is distinguished from viridans streptococci by draughtsman / mucoid colonies, optochrin sensitivity and bile solubility.
Pneumococcus is not Lancefield groupable
Reference
- Fry N et al. Pneumococcus and Its Critical Role in Public Health. Methods Mol Biol. 2019:1968:205-213.
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