Re: What are the effects of Micrococcus Luteus on the human body.

Hi - Micrococcus luteus is a Gram-positive coccus, or a microbe with a single cell membrane and a spherical shape. The bacteria produce striking bright yellow colonies on most types of microbiological media.

It can be found in soil as well as on human skin, as a normal member of our flora. For the most part is causes us no harm. The bacteria can degrade compounds in sweat, and on the skin, into ones producing unpleasant odors ( foot odor, for instance). Rarely, it may also be associated with infections in the blood (sepsis), or endocarditis - an infection of the lining of the heart. Individuals with such infections often have a weakened immune system. M. luteus is not considered pathogen, or "disease-causing" organism of healthy people.

Hope this helps..

Lynn Bry, Admin MadSci Network

References:

• Koneman's Diagnostic Microbiology
• Hug DH, Dunkerson DD, Hunter JK The degradation of L-histidine and trans- and cis-urocanic acid by bacteria from skin and the role of bacterial cis-urocanic acid isomerase. J Photochem Photobiol B 1999 May;50(1):66-73
• Seifert H, et al. Micrococcus luteus endocarditis: case report and review of the literature. Int J Med Microbiol Virol Parasitol Infect Dis. 1995 Oct;282(4):431-5. Review.