This Gram positive coccus is most frequently found in pairs of spherical or ovoid cells. Cells are catalase negative and exhibit facultatively anaerobic metabolism. Grows at temperatures from 25-40 C. This species is bile soluble. It is isolated from the upper respiratory tract and body secretions of humans and is found in domestic animals only rarely. Besides being a cause of pneumonia, it also is involved in sinus infections, ear infections, and can enter the blood to cause a diverse range of infections including meningitis, endocarditis, peritonitis, and many more.