Hemolysis (microbiology)
classification of streptococcal bacteria by ability to break down red blood cells
Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. The ability of bacterial colonies to induce hemolysis when grown on blood agar is used to classify certain microorganisms. This is particularly useful in classifying streptococcal species. A substance that causes hemolysis is called a hemolysin.
Types
Alpha-hemolysis
When alpha-hemolysis (α-hemolysis) is present, the agar under the colony is light and greenish. Streptococcus pneumoniae and a group of oral streptococci (Streptococcus viridans or viridans streptococci) display alpha-hemolysis. This is sometimes called green hemolysis because of the color change in the agar. Other synonymous terms are incomplete hemolysis and partial hemolysis. Alpha-hemolysis is caused by the bacteria's production of hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes hemoglobin and produces the green oxidized derivative methemoglobin.
Beta-hemolysis
Beta-hemolysis (β-hemolysis), sometimes called complete hemolysis, is a complete lysis of red cells in the media around and under the colonies: the area appears lightened (yellow) and transparent.
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