Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive coccus (plural cocci) or spherical bacteria that belongs to the family Streptococcaceae, within the order Lactobacillales (lactic acid bacteria), in the phylum Bacillota. Cell division in streptococci occurs along a single axis, so as they grow, they tend to form pairs or chains that may appear bent or twisted. This differs from staphylococci, which divide along multiple axes, thereby generating irregular, grape-like clusters of cells. Most streptococci are oxidase-negative and catalase-negative, and many are facultative anaerobes (capable of growth both aerobically and anaerobically). The term was coined in 1877 by Viennese surgeon Albert Theodor Billroth (1829–1894), by combining the prefix "strepto-" (from Ancient Greek: στρεπτός, romanized: streptós, lit. easily twisted, pliant), together with the suffix "-coccus" (from Modern Latin: coccus, from Ancient Greek: κόκκος, romanized: kókkos, lit. grain, seed, berry.) In 1984, many bacteria formerly grouped in the genus Streptococcus were separated out into the genera Enterococcus and Lactococcus. Currently, over 50 species are recognised in this genus. This genus has been found to be part of the salivary microbiome. Pathogenesis and classification
In addition to streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), certain Streptococcus species are responsible for many cases of pink eye, meningitis, bacterial pneumonia, endocarditis, erysipelas, and necrotizing fasciitis (the flesh-eating bacterial infections). However, many streptococcal species are not pathogenic, and form part of the commensal human microbiota of the mouth, skin, intestine, and upper respiratory tract. Streptococci are also a necessary ingredient in producing Emmentaler ("Swiss") cheese.Species of Streptococcus are classified based on their hemolytic properties.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. is an American company that markets and distributes over-the-counter healthcare and household cleaning products. It was formed by the merger of Medtech Products, Inc., Prestige Brands International, and the Spic and Span Company in 1996. The company is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York.Among the brands owned by Prestige Brands are Chloraseptic sore throat products, Clear Eyes, Compound W wart treatment, Dramamine motion sickness treatment, Efferdent denture care, Ludens throat drops, BC Powder and Goodys Headache Powder, Pediacare & Little Remedies childrens OTC products, Beano (dietary supplement), Comet and Spic and Span household cleaning products. The companys CEO and president is Ron Lombardi, who replaced Matthew Mannelly on June 1, 2015. History
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. was established in 1999 to acquire, revitalize, and line extend leading, often neglected but healthy brands that were considered non-core at major consumer products companies. In 2004, MidOcean Partners sold Prestige Brands to GTCH Golder Rauner. Acquisitions
The company acquired Blacksmith Brands portfolio of five brands in 2010. In December 2011, the company agreed to purchase 17 brands from GlaxoSmithKline including BC Powder, Beano, Ecotrin, Fiber Choice, Goodys Powder, Sominex and Tagamet for $660 million.In 2013, Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. acquired Care Pharmaceuticals of Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia, a privately held marketer and distributor of over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare brands for children and adults.In 2014, the company purchased Hydralyte in Australia and New Zealand from the Hydration Pharmaceuticals Trust of Victoria, Australia.