Streptococcus

What the laboratory says this test is for

Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis ("Strep throat") causing local pharyngeal pain, adenopathy, and fever. In addition, it is important to treat infections caused by this virulent organism in order to avoid potential, morbid complications including peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses, bacteremia, rheumatic fever, and acute glomerulonephritis. Group A Streptococcus, however, may also be isolated in small numbers as part of the oropharyngeal flora of asymptomatic carriers.

What the laboratory says this test is for

Group B streptococci can be one of the most significant pathogens in the neonatal period. The organism is transmitted to the newborn through the birth canal. Prepartum vaginal introitus and anorectal cultures are important to determine carriage.

What the laboratory says this test is for

The significance of any isolate in pure or mixed culture must be assessed with respect to the source cultured, the organism's pathogenic potential, the possibility of colonization versus infection, and the number of other organisms recovered in the same culture.

What the laboratory says this test is for

Detect Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaginal/rectal colonization to prevent GBS sepsis and other GBS infections in newborns.