Streptococci cause which of the following?

• A. Pus forming in clusters
• B. Abscesses
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Strep throats and blood poisoning

Answer: (D)

Streptococci are bacteria commonly linked to throat infections and infections of the bloodstream. The most recognizable disease is strep throat, caused by group A Streptococcus, and these bacteria can invade the blood, leading to blood poisoning (sepsis). The other options point to conditions more typical of other organisms or less specific to streptococci: pus forming in clusters is a hallmark of Staphylococcus aureus (which forms grape-like clusters), abscesses can be caused by various organisms, and while some streptococci (like Streptococcus pneumoniae) can cause pneumonia, the combination of throat infection and bloodstream infection best represents streptococcal disease, making strep throats and blood poisoning the best fit.