Peptococcaceae

A family of nonmotile, nonsporeforming, anaerobic bacteria (order Eubacteriales) containing Gram-positive (staining may be equivocal) cocci, 0.5–1.6 μm in diameter, which occur singly, in pairs, chains, tetrads, and irregular masses but not in three-dimensional, cubic packets. These organisms are chemoorganotrophic and have complex nutritional requirements. Carbohydrates may or may not be fermented by these organisms, which produce gas, principally CO₂ and usually H₂, from amino acid s, or carbohydrates, or both. They are found in the mouth and intestinal and respiratory tracts of humans and other animals; they are frequently found in normal and pathologic human female urogenital tracts.

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Pep·to·coc·ca·ceae (pep″to-kok-aґse-e) [Gr. pepton digestion + kokkos berry] a family of anaerobic, nonmotile, usually gram-positive bacteria of the order Clostridiales, consisting of spherical cells occurring singly or in pairs, tetrads, chains, or irregular masses. They are found in soil; in the mouth, intestinal tract, and respiratory tract of various animals; and in the human female urogenital tract. Organisms of medical interest are contained in the genera Peptococcus and Ruminococcus.