group C streptococci
Last reviewed 01/2018
Lancefield Group C streptococci rarely cause human disease.
Four species are recognised by biochemical and other tests:
- Strep. equisimilis - most common Group C species in man
- Strep. zooepidemicus - may cause human infection
- Strep. equi } not known to cause
- Strep. dysgalactiae } human infection
- Strep. milleri - may show group C antigen
These bacteria tend to have a low pathogenicity for man:
- occasionally tonsillitis - especially in closed communities
- rarely - endocarditis, septicaemia, meningitis, and glomerulonephritis
They are sensitive to penicillin.