Peptostreptococcus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Peptostreptococcus is a genus of anaerobic bacteria from the family Peptostreptococcaceae. They are Gram-positive bacteria and are part of the normal human microbiota, residing in areas such as the mouth, skin, intestines, and vagina. However, they can also be opportunistic pathogens, causing infections in different parts of the body.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Peptostreptococcus species are small, usually less than 1.0 μm in diameter. They are non-motile and do not form spores. They are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. They are also catalase-negative and oxidase-negative.

Pathogenicity[edit | edit source]

While Peptostreptococcus is part of the normal human microbiota, it can cause infections when it enters sterile sites in the body. These infections can include abscesses, bacteremia, and endocarditis. The bacteria can also cause infections in the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin and soft tissues.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of Peptostreptococcus infections typically involves antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the site of infection and the patient's overall health status. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into Peptostreptococcus is ongoing, with scientists studying its role in human health and disease. This includes research into the bacteria's pathogenic mechanisms and its resistance to antibiotics.

Staphylococcus aureus VISA 2.jpg
   This article is a bacteria-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD