Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

403
streptococcus, group B
20_189283 ch19.qxp 4/18/08 10:18 PM Page 403
http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

---

of infection can be as subtle as poor feeding, lethargy,
and poor temperature control. Antibiotic treatment
can be considered for culture-positive women before
delivery. Group B strep infection of the newborn is
treated aggressively with antibiotics, usually in a
neonatal intensive care unit, but the disease still car-
ries a significant mortality rate. Prevention and early
detection are critically important.
Streptococcus faecalis
An old name for
Enterococcus faecalis.
Streptococcus haemolyticus
See 
Streptococcus
pyogenes.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
The most common
cause of bacterial pneumonia and middle ear infec-
tion (otitis media) and the third most frequent
cause of bacterial meningitis. Also known as pneu-
mococcus.
Streptococcus pyogenes
The bacterial cause of
strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), impetigo,
rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, glomerulonephritis,
invasive fasciitis, strep skin infections, and rheu-
matic fever. Also known as Streptococcus haemolyti-
cus and group A streptococcus. See also 
PANDAS;
rheumatic fever; strep throat; streptococcus;
Sydenham chorea.
stricture 1
An abnormal narrowing of a body
passage, especially a tube or a canal. A stricture may
be due, for example, to scar tissue or a tumor.
2
The process of narrowing a body passage.
stricture of the esophagus, acute
See
esophageal stricture, acute.
stricture of the esophagus, chronic
See
esophageal stricture, chronic.
stroke
The sudden death of brain cells due to lack
of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow or rup-
ture of an artery to the brain. Sudden loss of speech,
weakness, or paralysis of one side of the body can be
symptoms. A suspected stroke can be confirmed by
scanning the brain with special X-ray tests, such as
CAT scans. The death rate and level of disability
resulting from strokes can be dramatically reduced
by immediate and appropriate medical care.
Prevention involves minimizing risk factors, such as
controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.
Abbreviated CVA. Also known as cerebrovascular
accident.