What classification do bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus fall under?

Bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are classified as pathogenic bacteria because they can cause various infections and diseases in humans. Pathogenic bacteria have the ability to invade the body, evade the immune system, and produce toxins that contribute to the severity of the illness. For example, Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause skin infections, pneumonia, and even sepsis, while Streptococcus species can lead to conditions such as strep throat and scarlet fever.

The other classifications do not apply to these bacteria: non-pathogenic bacteria are those that do not cause disease and often contribute to beneficial processes in the body or environment; beneficial bacteria, such as those found in the gut, play a critical role in digestion and other vital functions; and environmental bacteria include those that exist in soil and water, which may be non-pathogenic but are not typically associated with causing disease in humans. Thus, the categorization of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus as pathogenic bacteria is grounded in their capacity to elicit infections and health complications.