| |
hemolytic streptococcus
any streptococcus capable of hemolyzing erythrocytes, classified as either α-hemolytic (or viridans type), which on blood agar produces a zone of green discoloration around the colony that is smaller than the clear zone produced
by the β type; or β-hemolytic, which on blood agar produces a clear zone of hemolysis immediately around the colony. The β group contains the most virulent streptococci and is divided into serovar subgroups designated by letters (Group A, Group B, etc.).

Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|