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(right) γ-hemolysis (non-hemolytic, S. salivarius) Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. The ability of bacterial colonies to induce hemolysis when grown on blood agar is used to classify certain microorganisms. This is particularly useful in classifying streptococcal species. A substance that causes hemolysis is called a hemolysin.
Haemophilus is a genus of Gram-negative, pleomorphic, coccobacilli bacteria belonging to the family Pasteurellaceae. [2] [3] While Haemophilus bacteria are typically small coccobacilli, they are categorized as pleomorphic bacteria because of the wide range of shapes they occasionally assume.
When alpha-hemolysis (α-hemolysis) is present, the agar under the colony will appear dark and greenish due to the conversion of hemoglobin to green biliverdin. Streptococcus pneumoniae and a group of oral streptococci ( Streptococcus viridans or viridans streptococci) display alpha-hemolysis.
Enterococci exhibit variable hemolysis on blood agar. Differences occur between species, and between strains of species. More virulent organisms are more likely to exhibit alpha (partial) or beta (complete) hemolysis than less virulent specimens of Enterococcus, which frequently exhibit gamma (absent) hemolysis. [5]
A red blood cell in a hypotonic solution, causing water to move into the cell A red blood cell in a hypertonic solution, causing water to move out of the cell. Hemolysis or haemolysis (/ h iː ˈ m ɒ l ɪ s ɪ s /), [1] also known by several other names, is the rupturing of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the release of their contents into surrounding fluid (e.g. blood plasma).
The viridans streptococci are a large group of commensal streptococcal Gram-positive bacteria species that are α-hemolytic, producing a green coloration on blood agar plates (hence the name "viridans", from Latin "vĭrĭdis", green), although some species in this group are actually γ-hemolytic, meaning they produce no change on blood agar. [1]
In alpha-hemolysis, the blood is partially digested, causing the area around the colony to turn green. In beta-hemolysis, the organism digests the blood completely, leaving a clear area around each colony. [1]: 165–6 Organisms that do not produce hemolysis are referred to as gamma-hemolytic.
Most strains are gamma-hemolytic (non-hemolytic), but some also display alpha-hemolytic activity on sheep blood agar plates. Strep bovis is a non-enterococci. [citation needed] Biochemical Tests mannitol salt: negative bile esculin: negative MR/VP: positive/negative nutrient gelatin: negative starch: positive DNase: negative [citation needed]