A REFLECTION BLOG
Gram Positive Cocci
INTRODUCTION
In these times of crisis, we all yearn for peace of mind, good health, and most importantly, safety in regards to all the aspects of health. The COVID19 pandemic has surged fear amongst all of the people around the world. Once upon a time when diseases were not as severe and have spread worldwide like this, people fear different sorts of things. People could fear other people that could potentially hurt them physically and emotionally, it could be wild animals that are bigger than them, or it could also be as small as a cute but venomous spider. However, people have come to learn that the things they fear the most are the things that are extremely small that could not be seen by just the naked eye, especially things that are unknown that cause them harm. The COVID19 virus is a very good and relevant topic to talk about however, it also has been already widely discussed compared to the other pathogenic microorganisms. That is why I am here to share with you about Gram Positive Cocci, specifically about the staphylococcus species.
Gram stain is one of the stains or tests that differentiate species of microorganisms. Gram positive cocci are bacteria that still appear violet or purple in color after decolorization in Gram staining with a few exceptions (e.g. Neisseria spp., Veillonella spp., Moraxella spp.), and they are considered to be resistant, and fast growers. Gram positive cocci have three (3) genera that are pathogenic to man which namely are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus. To narrow down to a more specific discussion, I would like to put emphasis on sharing about Streptococcus out of the other two genera because although it is a common group, it is often overlooked and seldomly talked about.
Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes)
Streptococci are cocci that form like bracelets or chains. They are non motile, non spore forming, catalase negative, and most of them are facultative and anaerobic which means that they grow with or without oxygen. What everyone should know about this is that it is part of our normal flora which are bacteria that reside on our skin, for streptococcus, it also resides in our throat, and everyone of us has it no matter how we take a bath or gargle. Thinking about it, the danger is not only outside of us but it could also be within us if we are not careful enough to take good care of ourselves.
Streptococci have different kinds of species however, I would specifically like to talk about Streptococcus pyogenes for the reason that it could give very significant diseases that are not talked much about.
For diseases like Scarlet Fever, it is constantly treated with antibiotics. Usually it is either with penicillin or amoxicillin in which the Streptococcus pyogenes is sensitive. However for diseases like Rheumatic Fever, since there is no cure, doctors would encourage prevention, and awareness. Treat diseases like scarlet fever or strep throat immediately so that it won’t progress to something worse and incurable.
Always make sure to do proper hygiene when doing daily activities like washing your hands, and sanitizing your things. Make sure to take good after care or prophylaxis when in direct or indirect contact with transmissible disease.
Treatment and Prevention:
Streptococcus pyogenes, according to the Lancefield Grouping, is a beta-hemolytic or complete hemolysis, group B streptococci. It is composed of an M protein and a hyaluronic acid capsule, that prevents them from getting attacked by WBC, and at the same time, they could kill WBC neutrophils that are near them.
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Scarlet Fever
It is called so because you could get a high fever that comes with a bright red rash that could cover almost all of your body, and a sore throat. If this will be left untreated, then it will then progress to developing rheumatic fever. It is usually transmitted through direct contact or through droplets.
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Rheumatic Fever
This is developed when you leave strep throat and scarlet fever untreated, and this mostly affects children about ages 5 to 15 years old. You will experience fever, arthritis-like pain, fatigue and heart problems. This may not be contagious but it has no cure, so the only way to good health is by awareness and prevention.
Diseases
Other Disease:
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Pharyngitis
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Glomerulonephritis
Thank you for being able to reach this part of my blog! I came to share this with you because this is very important to know about. Streptococci are normal flora that reside on our skin and our throat area which is very dangerous when activated to become pathogenic. Prevention is better than cure and as well as infection that couldn’t be cured. This is dangerous when activated and left untreated with antibiotics. Danger in fact is everywhere and it could be as near as it is within us if we do not take good care of ourselves and others well. That is why right now I am spreading awareness as to what I have learned and I hope you would share this to other people especially your friends and loved ones.