alpha-hemolysis

Introduction

Zone of hemolysis about a colony of bacteria in blood agar cultures greenish in color due to partial decomposition of hemoglobin. Organisms causing alpha-hemolysis in blood agar include: strains of streptococci or pneumococci.

Etiology

• bacteria causing beta-hemolysis in blood agar include:
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • other strains of Streptococci

More general terms

• hemolysis

Additional terms

• alpha-hemolytic streptococcus