Lactococcus


Lactococcus

(lak″tŏ-kok′ŭs) [ lacto- + coccus] A genus of nonmotile, gram-positive cocci that grow in pairs or short chains. Most organisms in the genus were previously grouped with the enterococci, lactobacilli, and streptococci. They produce large quantities of the L-isomer of lactic acid. Members of the species are used in dairy industry, e.g., in the fermentation of cheeses. A few cause human disease.