Streptococcus mitis
Streptococcus mitis
Streptococcus mitis (pronounced: strep-toe-cock-us my-tis) is a species of Gram-positive bacteria that belongs to the genus Streptococcus. It is a part of the normal microflora of the human mouth and upper respiratory tract, but can also cause infectious diseases under certain conditions.
Etymology
The name Streptococcus mitis is derived from the Greek words streptos, meaning twisted, and kokkos, meaning berry. The species name mitis is derived from the Latin word for mild, referring to the relatively low virulence of this bacterium compared to other Streptococcus species.
Characteristics
Streptococcus mitis is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is also catalase-negative and oxidase-negative. The bacterium is capable of producing lactic acid through the process of fermentation, which contributes to the development of dental caries.
Pathogenicity
While Streptococcus mitis is generally harmless and part of the normal oral flora, it can cause disease in immunocompromised individuals or if it enters the bloodstream. It has been associated with endocarditis, meningitis, and septicemia.
Treatment
Treatment for Streptococcus mitis infections typically involves antibiotics. However, some strains of S. mitis have shown resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Streptococcus mitis
- Wikipedia's article - Streptococcus mitis
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