Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria (orange) bound to a human neutrophil (yellow). These gram-positive bacteria are rounded or spherical cocci. They typically form chains of cells, as seen here. Healthy humans may carry these bacteria harmlessly in their throat or nose. Pathogenic strains of s. pyogenes, however, cause infections of the skin (including impetigo), the uterus following childbirth (puerperal sepsis), and the bloodstream (septicemia). S. pyogenes accounts for the high incidence of sore throats, tonsillitis, and middle ear infections (otitis media) in children. Treatment is with penicillin-drugs.