Beta hemolysis on sheep blood agar. Mucous colonies, encapsulated strain. Cultivation 48 hours in an aerobic
atmosphere, 37°C.
Microscopy: Gram-positive cocci in chains.
Images of beta-hemolytic streptococci
Streptococcus equi (Streptococcus equi ssp. equi)
Streptococcus equi is a gram-positive bacterium of the Lancefield’s group C. It grows in long chains of irregularly shaped cocci that are non-motile. Streptococcus equi ssp.equi is the etiologic agent for the upper respiratory disease in horses commonly referred to as strangles. Colonies of virulent S.equi are always mucoid.
Streptococcus equi ssp. equi on blood agar
Streptococcus equi ssp. equi on Petri dish
Streptococcus equi beta hemolysis
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Colonies of Streptococcus equi on blood agar
Colonies of Streptococcus equi on tryptic soy agar
Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus is a commensal of horses, and its host range also includes swine, cattle, poultry, rabbits and human.
It's a clonal ancestor of S. equi with which shares greater than 98% DNA homology and many of the virulence factors. It occasionally causes human infection that can be traced back to contact with horses or consumption
of unpasteurized dairy products. Unlike S.equi ssp.equi, S.equi ssp. zooepidemicusferments sorbitol and lactose. In the process of fermentation S. zooepidemicus produces hyaluronic acid as a component of its extracellular capsule.
Streptococcus zooepidemicus
Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus on blood agar
Streptococcus zooepidemicus: encapsulated strain
Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Streptococcus agalactiae: colony appearance on blood agar
Streptococcus zooepidemicus: mucoid colonies
Streptococcus zooepidemicus vs. Streptococcus agalactiae on tryptic soy agar
Streptococcus zooepidemicus on Petri dish (sheep blood agar)
Streptococcus zooepidemicus vs. Streptococcus pyogenes on blood agar
