Project name: Streptococcus mitis

Description: Streptococci. Streptococci are Gram-positive, nonmotile, nonsporeforming, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. Members of this genus vary widely in pathogenic potential. Most streptococci are facultative anaerobes, and some are obligate anaerobes. The genus is classified on the basis of colony morphology, hemolysis, biochemical reactions, and serologic specificity. They are divided into three groups by the type of hemolysis on blood agar plates: beta-hemolytic, alpha-hemolytic or gamma-hemolytic. Serologic grouping is based on antigenic differences in cell wall carbohydrates, in cell wall pili-associated protein, and in the polysaccharide capsule in group B streptococci.Streptococcus mitis. This organism is a commensal normally found in the human mouth, throat and nasopharynx. It is not usually pathogenic but can be recovered from ulcerated teeth, sinuses and blood or heart lesions from subacute endocarditis (inflammation of the membrane lining the heart) patients.

Last updated: 2006-01-12