[The classification of streptococci and human streptococcal diseases]

The modern nomenclature, phenotypic, medical, ecological and phylogenetic classification of streptococci and different classification of streptococcal human diseases are presented. All phylogenetic groups of streptococci have been shown to contain species causing diseases in man. The most medically significant groups are the phylogenetic groups Pyogenes and Mitis. Directions of the improvement of the classification of streptococci and streptococcal human diseases on the basis of modern concepts on the taxonomy of streptococci, the biological properties and ecology of the infective agents, as well as the genesis and clinical picture of diseases induced by them, have been determined.