PEPTOSTREPTOCOCCUS

(under the microscope)
The genus Peptostreptococcus contains very small bacteria that grow in chains. These anaerobic counterparts of Streptococcus are usually not harmfull. They are known to be normal flora of the skin, urethra, and the urogenital tract. If given an opportunity, however, they can cause infections of bones, joints and soft tissue. Their increasing resistance to such antibiotics as penicillin G and clindamycin makes them especially important. P. magnus is the species most often isolated from infected sites.

LABORATORY INDICATIONS:
• Esculin hydrolysis -
• Hydrogen sulfide -
• Catalase -
• Lactose -