| Name: | S. mutans group |
| Morphology: | chains, or short rods |
| Gram Stain: | Gram-Positive Cocci |
| Growth Characteristics: | On blood agar colonies are often hard and adherent. Strains produce Beta or gamma hemolysis. |
| Test Profile: | Bile esculin negative. Does not grow in 6.5% NaCl. |
| Description: | aerobic "Viridans group streptococci" Cause dental caries. Are able to produce acid from a wide variety of carbohydrates. Produce water soluble and insoluble polysaccharides from sucrose. |
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