Streptococcal invasion

The genus Streptococcus consists of large number of species many of which a re pathogenic to humans and animals. Although streptococci have long been c onsidered as extracellular pathogens, they are capable of causing serious i nvasive infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and meningitis. Streptococ cal invasion, therefore, has been a focus of many studies in recent years. Streptococci are efficiently internalized by nonprofessional phagocytes and the current research interest has shifted to determine the role of this in vasion in the natural infection process. Moreover, characterization of bact erial and eukaryotic components involved in the uptake process might be use ful in developing new strategies for combating streptococcal infections.