Peptostreptococcus spp. (and Finegoldia magna)
Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.
MICROBIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
- Anaerobic Gram-positive cocci: part of the normal flora of the mouth, GI and GU tracts as well as skin.
- A heterogeneous group of "anaerobic streptococci" now classified into 5 groups and changes in the taxonomy that can be confusing.
- For example, Finegoldia magna is the former Peptosteptococcus magnus.
- Small cocci, may be seen on Gram stain in short chains and pairs.
- GPC seen may appear identical to aerobic streptococci (chains) or staphylococci (clusters) [Fig].
- Non-spore forming
- Peptostreptococcus (which includes the former Peptococcus) account for nearly all anaerobic GPC except Finegoldia magna.
- Most common and important: Finegoldia magna, P. asaccharolyticus.
- Less common: P. micros, P. anaerobius.
- Note: microaerophilic streptococci such as Streptococcus intermedius Group are pathogenic, often important in mixed infections. They are not Peptostreptococci and are not sensitive to metronidazole.
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