The microbiologic aspects, including diagnosis, of β-hemolytic streptococcal and enterococcal infections

Basic approaches concerning the collection, transport, and processing of clinical specimens for the detection of streptococci and enterococci are described. In addition, principles are reviewed that contribute to bacterial identification, antigenic and genetic characterisation of these bacteria, and how these factors may contribute to virulence for the human host. Molecular techniques are presented that can be applied to a more sophisticated study of worldwide dispersal of streptococci and enterococci associated with human infections. In addition to an emphasis on streptococcal groups A, B, C, and G, enterococci are discussed in detail because of their emergence as serious pathogens in the hospital setting and their increasing antimicrobial resistance.