Micrococcus species

Micrococci are aerobic, gram-positive or gram-variable cocci that are arranged singly, in pairs, tetrads (groups of four) or clusters. Colonies produced by micrococci may have cream white, yellow, yellowish-green, orange, or dark rose-red pigmentation. The primary habitat is mammalian skin and they can also be isolated from meat and dairy products, soil and water. The majority of strains of micrococci are nonpathogenic, but some strains may occasionally be opportunist pathogens.

Back to Glossary Index Page