Micrococcus was discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming before he discovered penicillin 1928
Taxonomy
Family: Micrococcaceae
Natural habitats Micrococci are widespread in nature and are commonly found on the skin of humans and other mammals.
They are generally believed to be temporary residents and are most frequently found on the exposed skin of the face, arms, hands, and legs.
Clinical significance
M. luteus is typically non-pathogenic and part of the normal flora of the skin and mucous membranes.
However, in immunocompromised individuals, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen and cause infections, although such occurrences are relatively rare.
It has been implicated in conditions like wound infections, urinary tract infections, and, in some cases, endocarditis, especially in people with prosthetic heart valves or other implanted medical devices. In general, M. luteus infections are not as common or severe as infections caused by other bacteria, but they can still pose a risk in vulnerable patients.
The bacterium can also show resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment more challenging when infections do occur.
