Gemella haemolysans in the genitourinary tract

(Prior to 1961, formerly Neisseria haemolysins)

• May be easily confused with gram-negative or gram-variable
• May appear like Neisseria due to adjacent sides flattening
• Best growth at 35-37°C, does not grow below 10°C or above 45°C, sensitive to dry and moist heat
• Prefers aerobic conditions but is a facultative anaerobe^​1​
• Commensal of oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, and other mucous membranes i.e. vagina
• Found in dental plaque and in the nose
• Opportunistic pathogen
• Immunocompromised hosts see worse/more infections
• Damaged tissue more susceptible to infection
• Found in blood culture from endocarditis, spinal fluid of those with meningitis and brain abscess and knee arthroplasty^​2​
• Doesn’t survive well outside of host (i.e. on surfaces or clothing)
• Susceptible to wide variety of antibiotics
• Name Gemellus comes from Latin word gemini, meaning twins, due to the diplococcus nature of the bacteria
• Produces acetic (vinegar) and lactic acid without oxygen and a mixture of acetic acid and CO₂ in the presence of oxygen^​1​

References

MSDS – Gemella haemolysans – PATHOGEN SAFETY DATA SHEET – INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES