Micrococcus;

The term micrococci (Germanized plural from Micrococcus, Greek mikros = small and kokkos= kernel/grain) refers to several species of gram-positive, aerobic, less pathogenic spherical bacteria, which today are assigned to the various genera of the families Micrococcaceae and Dermacoccaceae. As typical opportunists, species of the genera Micrococcus, Kocuria and Kytococcus can cause infections in humans in immunocompromised individuals and in connection with implanted foreign bodies. Purulent skin infections have also been described.

The cells are arranged in clusters, clusters, in pairs or in short chains. Many "micrococci" are inhabitants of soil and surface water. Representatives of some "micrococcus" species often colonize the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals. Some species are found in (especially fermented) foods, where they contribute to flavor formation. Members of the genus Arthrobacter are typical soil dwellers. They are pleomorphic in shape and particularly resistant to lack of food and desiccation.