How would you differentiate Streptococcus pyogenes from nonpathogenic streptococci?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pyogenes produces beta-hemolysis on blood agar plates, while nonpathogenic streptococci do not. This is the most reliable method for differentiation. Mannitol salt agar plates are used for the isolation of staphylococci, not streptococci. EMB plates are used for the isolation of fecal coliforms. Gram staining can differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but does not differentiate between different species of Streptococcus. Acid-fast staining is used for the identification of Mycobacterium species, not Streptococcus.

How Would You Differentiate Streptococcus Pyogenes from Nonpathogenic Streptococci