What is hemolysis?

La hemolysis It is the process of destruction of red blood cells or erythrocytes. This process It can be caused by factors internal or external to the body.

What is alpha hemolysis?

La alpha hemolysis occurs when the bacteria causing this reaction release alpha hemolysins which mainly attack the erythrocyte membrane, forming a small green zone around the bacterial colony in the culture medium.

• A small green zone is produced around the bacterial colony.
• The degradation of hemoglobin is incomplete.
• It is a result of the action of alpha hemolysins.

What is beta hemolysis?

La beta hemolysis It is a reaction in which beta hemolysins produced by bacteria completely degrade hemoglobin and allow the release of iron from erythrocytes. As a result, a clear zone is formed around the colony due to the complete degradation of red blood cells in the culture medium.

• A clear zone is produced around the bacterial colony.
• The degradation of hemoglobin is complete.
• It is a result of the action of beta hemolysins.

Gamma hemolysis

La gamma hemolysis It is the absence of hemolysis in a given bacterial strain.

Conclusion

In summary, alpha hemolysis and beta hemolysis are different reactions that allow us to distinguish between different bacterial strains or species. Furthermore, these tests are very useful for microbiological diagnosis and identification of pathogenic bacteria in the clinic.

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