This
bacteria is a
facultative anaerobe that is gram-positive and is approximately 2
micrometers long. S.
salivarius occurs in
pairs and short
chains. This organism is primarily an aerobe but it can perform
anaerobic respiration as well. Usually, it inhabits the area between the obligate
anaerobes and the
aerobes, where oxygen is available but sometimes limited. This organism is only known to infect the upper-
respiratory tract of humans, but on some rare occasions it can be spread to the
circulatory system through abrasions on the gum. It is found worldwide and is associated with
dental carries, as it can produce lactic acid through anaerobic respiration. The host range of S. salivarius is limited to humans. It is susceptible to the antibiotics penicillin and erythromycin. It can be rendered
physically inactive at 121 degrees Celsius of moist heat or 160-170
degrees Celsius in dry heat. The optimal
temperature for S. salivarus is body temperature 37 degrees Celsius.
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