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. Streptococci are 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 condi
tion