Anti-Streptococcus group A antibody (ab21046)

The genus Streptococcus is comprised of a wide variety of both pathogenic and commensal gram positive bacteria which are found to inhabit a wide range of hosts, including humans, horses, pigs and cows. Within the host, streptococci are often found to colonize the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, nose and pharynx. Streptococci can be divided into many groups on the basis of antigenic differences in group-specific polysaccharides located in the bacterial cell wall. More than 20 serologic groups have been identified and designated by letters, eg, A, B, C. Group A streptococci, cause a wide-range of disease in humans, from mild sore throats to life-threatening invasive disease such as necrotising fasciitis. Streptococcus pyogenes (a group A Streptococcus) is one of the most important pathogens encountered in clinical practice. Group A streptococci (GAS) are gram-positive, nonmotile, non-spore-forming organisms that appear as pairs or short-to-moderate-sized chains. Group A organisms can be identified by enzyme immunoassays.