Streptococcus alactolyticus
Anaerobic, lactose-negative member of the Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Streptococcus alactolyticus is a species of Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic cocci that forms chains and belongs to the Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex (SBSEC). It was proposed as a novel species in 1984 when lactose-negative porcine intestinal isolates previously assigned to biotype II of Streptococcus bovis were shown by DNA–DNA hybridization and phenotypic traits to constitute a distinct taxon.[1]
| Streptococcus alactolyticus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Kingdom: | Bacillati |
| Phylum: | Bacillota |
| Class: | Bacilli |
| Order: | Lactobacillales |
| Family: | Streptococcaceae |
| Genus: | Streptococcus |
| Species: | S. alactolyticus |
| Binomial name | |
| Streptococcus alactolyticus Farrow & Collins 1984 | |
| Type strain | |
| ATCC 43077 = DSM 20542 | |
Etymology
The specific epithet *alactolyticus* (Latin: *a-* "without", *lactum* "milk", and *lyticus* "able to break down") refers to the species' inability to hydrolyze or ferment lactose.[citation needed]
Ecology
Clinical relevance
Although uncommon, S. alactolyticus has been implicated in opportunistic human infections. Reported clinical cases include infective endocarditis,[6] bacteremia, and neonatal sepsis. A 2020 case report described a rare instance of neonatal meningitis caused by this species, confirmed through culture and treated successfully with ampicillin and cefotaxime.[7]