A genus of aerobic Gram-positive cocci that resemble enterococci but do not form chains. They are frequently isolated as airborne saphrophytes in hospitals and as a pathogen of lobsters; cause greening in blood agar and grow in the presence of 40% bile. In humans, they are found in endocarditis and in urinary tract infections. The type and only species is Aerococcus viridans.
Origin
[aero- + G. kokkos, berry]