Streptococci are described as what?

• A. Rod-shaped bacteria
• B. Pus forming bacteria that form long chains, and can cause blood poisoning
• C. Spherical bacteria
• D. Spiral bacteria

Answer: (B)

Streptococci are spherical bacteria that typically divide in a way that forms long chains. This chaining is a key feature that helps distinguish them from other cocci that clump together in clusters. They are often pyogenic, meaning they produce pus during infection, and their infections can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis or “blood poisoning.” So the description that combines pus-forming behavior with long-chain arrangement and the potential to cause blood poisoning fits both their appearance and their pathogenic behavior. They’re not rod-shaped or spiral, and while they’re spherical, the chain-forming and pus-producing traits provide the most accurate characterization.