Classification
Figure 1: Colorized SEM picture of two pneumococcus. Dr. Richard Fackmal 2011
Domain: Bacteria
Organisms in the domain Bacteria are Procaryotic and do not
have membrane bound nucleus
Kingdom: Bacteria
See Domain definition
Phylum: Firmicutes
Organisms in phylum Firmicutes all Stains gram positive and
are either a cocci (sperical) or bacillius (rod) shaped bacteria
Class: Bacilli
See Phylum definition.
Order: Lactobacillales
Organisms in the order Lactobacillales are members of the lactic acid bacteria (a group of
bacteria that produce lactic acid as the primary end-product of
carbohydrate fermentation). All bacteria in the LAB are also
incapable of produceing the enzyme catalase.
Family: Streptococcaceae
The Streptococcaceae is
a family of Gram-positive bacteria, placed within the order of
Lactobacillales. Representative genera include Lactococcus,
Lactovum, Pilibacter, and Streptococcus
Genus: Streptococcus
Group of spherodial (cocci) shaped bacteria that belong to
the family Streptococcaceae
Species: S. pneumoniae
Figure 2. Phylogenetic tree showing Streptococcus pneumoniae in
relation to other Streptococcus species. Adapted from Figure 9 of
Structure and dynamics of the pan-genome of Streptococcus pneumoniae
and closely related species by Donati, et. al.
Figure by Ryan
Schaefer (2013)
It is important to recognize that S. pneumoniae is just one of many bacteria that fall into the categories stated above. There are a variety of other bacteria that are very similar in behavior and function to S. pneumoniae and are as equally menacing to humans. One of these related bacteria are Streptococcus mutans which are the primary cause of tooth decay in humans. This bacteria, though not as invasive, is still a large concern for humans as they cause millions of oral cavities all over the world. Another bacterium that is similar to S. pneumoniae and even more frightening is Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is a well known flesh eating bacteria that is very dangerous for those unfortunate enough to contract it.