Staphylococcus lentus

This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and less frequently as irregular, grape-like clusters. Cells are catalase positive and exhibit facultatively anaerobic metabolism. Able to use glucose oxidatively and fermentatively. Salt tolerant in media with NaCl concentrations up to 10%. Growth occurs at temperatures between 15-40 C, with optimum growth occurring between 25-35 C. Isolated most frequently from the skin and udders of goats and sheep, and also reportedly from frass of housefly larvae. This species used to be considered a subspecies of Staphylococcus sciuri, but it is slower growing and has other traits making it distinct. Associated with goat mastitis.