Micrococcus

micrococcus

Any of the spherical bacteria that make up the genus Micrococcus. Widespread in nature, these gram-positive (see gram stain) cocci (see coccus) are usually not considered to cause disease. They are normal inhabitants of the human body and may even be essential in keeping the balance among the various microorganisms found on the skin. Some species are found in the dust of the air, in soil, in marine waters, and on the skin of vertebrates. Certain species are found in milk and can result in spoilage.

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Micrococcus 

a genus of spherical (diameter, 1–2 μ), nonmotile, nonsporiferous, gram-positive bacteria that reproduce by division in two or three planes and are found singly or in irregular masses.

On solid nutrient media, micrococci form smooth, round colonies of white, yellow, or red. Certain species (for example, M. pyogenes) cause purulent diseases. Micrococci inhabit soil, fresh and salt waters, and food products. Some species develop in brines and cause the appearance of red spots on pickled fish.