Lactococcus spp

• L. gerviae
• L. lactis

Gram Stain

• Gram positive cocci in pairs and chains (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

These organisms are found in various environmental sources, vegetation/food sources (especially related to aquaculture) and may be found in human gastrointestinal and female genital tracts.

They are considered to be opportunistic pathogens of low virulence.

Infections associated with these organisms include endocarditis (native/prosthetic valve), septicemia, brain abscesses, ophthalmic infections, hepatic abscesses, septic arthritis/osteomyelitis (disciitis), peritonitis, and urinary tract infections.

Infections may be acquired in patients with an altered gastrointestinal tract, likely from contaminated foods (especially raw fish).

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are typically susceptible to penicillin, vancomycin, and linezolid.

L. gerviae is resistant to clindamycin and may exhibit higher MICs to penicillin.