NC_008533:592000 Streptococcus pneumoniae D39, complete genome
Host Lineage: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus; Streptococcaceae; Lactobacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: This strain was used by Avery, Macleod, and McCarty in their landmark study on the role of DNA as the agent of transformation. Can cause respiratory disease. Streptococci are Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore forming, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. Members of this genus vary widely in pathogenic potential. Most streptococci are facultative anaerobes, and some are obligate anaerobes. Serologic grouping is based on antigenic differences in cell wall carbohydrates, in cell wall pili-associated protein, and in the polysaccharide capsule in group B streptococci. This organism is a member of the normal human nasopharyngeal flora. This organism is also the most common cause of sinusitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and conjunctivitis beyond early childhood. S. pneumoniae is also known to cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.