Streptococcus pyogenes

(Strep-toe-cock-us pie-or-jen-ease)

Grows as a chain of round bacteria. ‘Strepto’ means ‘twisted chain’.

And as for the ‘pyogenes’ bit in the name — well, pyogenic literally means ‘making pus’. Yuck! 🤢

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause a variety of diseases such as pharyngitis (sore throat), rheumatic fever and scarlet fever. Severe cases can result in sepsis and death.

Worldwide, it is estimated that Streptococcus pyogenes causes 700 million infections each year!