Kocuria Varians Research Articles

Biocide Tolerance and Impact of Sanitizer Concentrations on the Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria Originating from Cheese.

In this study, we determined and identified the bacterial diversity of different types of artisanal and industrially produced cheese. The antibiotic (erythromycin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, ampicillin, clindamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and gentamicin) and biocide (peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride) resistance of clinically relevant bacteria was determined as follows: Staphylococcus aureus, Macrococcus caseolyticus, Bacillus sp., Kocuria varians, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter pasteurii, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella michiganensis, Enterobacter sp., Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sichuanensis, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella enterica. Also, the effect of the sub-inhibitory concentration of three biocides on antibiotic resistance was determined. The microbiota of evaluated dairy products comprise diverse and heterogeneous groups of bacteria with respect to antibiotic and disinfectant tolerance. The results indicated that resistance was common in the case of ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and streptomycin. Bacillus sp. SCSSZT2/3, Enterococcus faecalis SRGT/1, E. coli SAT/1, Raoultella ornithinolytica MTT/5, and S. aureus SIJ/2 showed resistance to most antibiotics. The tested bacteria showed sensitivity to peracetic acid and a different level of tolerance to benzalkonium chloride and sodium hypochlorite. The inhibition zone diameter of antibiotics against Enterococcus faecalis SZT/2, S. aureus JS11, E. coli CSKO2, and Kocuria varians GRT/10 was affected only by the sub-inhibitory concentration of peracetic acid.

Kocuria species: an underappreciated pathogen in pediatric patients—a single-center retrospective analysis of 10 years’ experience in China

Kocuria species are known to be opportunistic pathogens that cause infections in humans, especially immunocompromised hosts. However, reports of pediatric patients are limited. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the spectrum of infections in pediatric patients caused by Kocuria species. Thirty-six patients were enrolled; of these, 29 were infected by Kocuria kristinae, 4 by Kocuria roseus, 2 by Kocuria varians, and 1 by Kocruria rhizophila. Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with bloodstream infection; 6 had ventilator-associated pneumonia; and one each had a catheter-associated urinary tract infection, purulent meningitis, cholangitis, and empyema. Twenty-seven patients were immunocompromised or debilitating, had congenital abnormalities or fitted with indwelling devices. Nine patients were immunocompetent, 4 with early onset before 1 year of age. All Kocuria species were susceptible to lenezolid, vancomycin, and tigecycline; while showing frequent resistance to penicillin and oxacillin. Most cases were cured by administering appropriate antimicrobial agents. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of pediatric patients with Kocuria species infection. We highlight Kocuria species should be considered as an underappreciated pathogen in pediatric patients.

Bacterial keratitis caused by Kocuria varians: a case report

The purpose of this paper is to report a rare case of bacterial keratitis caused by the non-pathogenic Kocuria varians. The case reported exemplifies the development of severe bacterial keratitis following a corneal microtrauma induced by of non-pathogenic or potentially pathogenic species. We report a rare cause of Kocuria varians keratitis in a review of national and foreign literature. Examination of the corneal microbiota and determination of its spectrum of sensitivity to antibiotics, if performed early, will facilitate the administration of adequate treatment and prevention of severe complications in corneal bacterial lesions.

Bacteriological study of nasopharyngeal carriage of the child with nasopharyngitis

Background: Nasopharyngitis is a public health problem due to the high frequency of medical consultations involving this condition, the significant economic cost of drug prescriptions. The etiologies are diverse, its management, first medicinal (whose contribution of bacteriology among many others), may require for some palpating indications a surgical cure. The objective was to identify the main bacteria responsible for nasopharyngitis in children within the ENT department of the District Hospital CIV Bamako. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study, over a period of 4 months, from 1 December 2018 to 31 March 2019 involving children with nasopharyngitis seen in consultation. The samples were taken by swabbing the nasopharynx using a sterile swab in accordance with the rules of asepsis and sterility and in the absence of antibiotic intake. Results: A total of 51 nasopharyngeal swabs were taken and analyzed using usual laboratory methods, 26 strains were isolated from 24 children. The age group of 1 to 4 years was mainly concerned. Main germs identified were Kocuria rosea 30.8%, Staphylococcus aureus 15.4%, Kocuria varians 11.5% Staphylococcus pneumoniae 7.7%. We observed a low percentage of resistance to penicillin G and tetracyclins. The majority of our strains were sensitive to macrolids. Conclusions: Nasopharyngitis of the child initial viral pathology, but whose clinical course may involve superinfection germs promoting complications. The bacteriological study of nasopharyngeal carriage rightly allows antibiotic therapy adapted to the germs in question, in this multivariate management of the nasopharyngeal disease of the child within our department.

The Incidence of Multirsistance Kocuria spp. among Different Clinical Samples in Erbil City, Iraq

Background: Gram positive Kocuria spp. are a part of normal of the skin and oropharynx commensals in mammals but also described as opportunistic pathogens in human infections including urinary tract infection, pneumonia, wound infection, Ear infection, bronchial infection and also peritonitis and brain abscess, isolated from different clinical specimens increasing resistance to some antibiotics all over the world by distribution between patient with high morbidity and mortality rates.
 Objective: Our study aimed to carry out retrospective study on Kocuria spp. isolated from various clinical samples in Erbil city and analyzed its epidemiology, antibiotic resistance pattern and pathogenic potential.
 Methods: A total of thirty Kocuria spp. isolated distributed according to their source of isolation such as blood, wound, CSF, ear swab, throat swab, ascetic fluid and bronchial wash isolated and identified by using microscopical, morphological, biochemical tests and API and Vitek 2 compact system. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by manually by using 8 antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Amikacin, Nitrofurantion, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Cifixime, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (2:1)). Phenotypic screening of ESBLs was undertaken using Vitek 2 compact system.
 Results: Out of 4399 samples, 30 samples were tested positive for Kocuria spp., the highest percentage of Kocuria spp. In female 20(0.76%) was higher than those in male patients 10(0.57%) Results showed that 30 isolates of Kocuria distributed as (13) isolates were indicated as Kocuria kristinae, (5) Kocuria varians, and (6) Kocuria rosea Kocuria spp.isolates showed high resistance (43.3%) to Cifixime, (30%) to Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 2:1, (26.7%) to Amikacin, (20%) to Nitrofurantion and (13.3%) to both Gentamicin and Cefotaxime. Kocuria spp. was surprisingly (100%) sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone with all the 30 samples that we had. Relation between bacteria species and gender, all species showed higher number in female than male.

Bacterial sensitivity pattern to antibiotics in acne vulgaris at Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital Medan, Indonesia in 2019

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Antibiotics play essential roles in the treatment of AV because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. With the extensive use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance patterns in AV lesions should be determined to ensure safe and appropriate administration of antibiotics for the treatment of AV. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 80 specimens from AV lesions. Each specimen was cultured and underwent susceptibility tests to azithromycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin using disc diffusion methods that met Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) standard. Results: From a total 97 bacterial colonies growth from 80 specimens, 12 species were identified, namely Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyococcys haemolyticus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Micrococcus luteus, Kocuria varians, Staphylococcus vitulinus, Staphylococcus cohnii, Staphylococcus arlettae and Dermacoccus nishinomyaensis. Antibiotic with highest bacterial sensitivity rate was minocycline, followed by levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, azithromycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Most of the species were intermediately sensitive to azithromycin, clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. Antibiotic with highest bacterial resistance rate was erythromycin, followed by clindamycin, azithromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and minocycline. Conclusions: In cases of acne vulgaris, minocycline and levofloxacin were the two antibiotics with the highest bacterial sensitivity, while erythromycin and clindamycin were the two antibiotics with the highest bacterial resistance in AV lesions. Keywords: acne vulgaris, antibiotics, bacterial sensitivity

Dynamic interspecies interactions and robustness in a four-species model biofilm.

Interspecific interactions within biofilms determine relative species abundance, growth dynamics, community resilience, and success or failure of invasion by an extraneous organism. However, deciphering interspecific interactions and assessing their contribution to biofilm properties and function remain a challenge. Here, we describe the constitution of a model biofilm composed of four bacterial species belonging to four different genera (Rhodocyclus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Kocuria varians, and Bacillus cereus), derived from a biofilm isolated from an industrial milk pasteurization unit. We demonstrate that the growth dynamics and equilibrium composition of this biofilm are highly reproducible. Based on its equilibrium composition, we show that the establishment of this four‐species biofilm is highly robust against initial, transient perturbations but less so towards continuous perturbations. By comparing biofilms formed from different numbers and combinations of the constituent species and by fitting a growth model to the experimental data, we reveal a network of dynamic, positive, and negative interactions that determine the final composition of the biofilm. Furthermore, we reveal that the molecular determinant of one negative interaction is the thiocillin I synthesized by the B. cereus strain, and demonstrate its importance for species distribution and its impact on robustness by mutational analysis of the biofilm ecosystem.

Four species of bacteria deterministically assemble to form a stable biofilm in a millifluidic channel

Multispecies microbial adherent communities are widespread in nature and organisms, although the principles of their assembly and development remain unclear. Here, we test the possibility of establishing a simplified but relevant model of multispecies biofilm in a non-invasive laboratory setup for the real-time monitoring of community development. We demonstrate that the four chosen species (Bacillus thuringiensis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Kocuria varians, and Rhodocyclus sp.) form a dynamic community that deterministically reaches its equilibrium after ~30 h of growth. We reveal the emergence of complexity in this simplified community as reported by an increase in spatial heterogeneity and non-monotonic developmental kinetics. Importantly, we find interspecies interactions consisting of competition for resources—particularly oxygen—and both direct and indirect physical interactions. The simplified experimental model opens new avenues to the study of adherent bacterial communities and their behavior in the context of rapid global change.

MILKING ANTISEPTICS AGAINST BACTERIA MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BOVINE MASTITIS

This work aims to verify the in vitro action of antiseptics used in the pre- and post-dipping against multidrug-resistant bacteria from bovine mastitis. Antiseptic solutions in the concentration of use of iodine, chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (n=12), Staphylococcus sciuri (n=1), Staphylococcus lentus (n=1), Streptococcus sp. (n=1), Enterococcus faecalis (n=1), Enterococcus casseliflavus (n=1), Kocuria kristinae (n=2), Kocuria varians (n=1). Was verified the Minimal Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentration. The cytotoxicity test complemented the work. It was found that the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration of the iodine, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine was effective in the values recommended for use, however the presence of organic material reduced the activity of the tested products. Chlorhexidine showed higher efficiency of the other disinfectants.

Kocuria varians meningitis in a child with chronic granulomatous disease.

Kocuria varians meningitis in a child with chronic granulomatous disease.

Genome Sequencing of Kocuria varians Strain 80, Isolated from Starter Culture for Dry Sausage.

The genome of the meat starter culture strain Kocuria varians 80 was sequenced and assembled into a single 2.82-Mb chromosome. Genome sequence comparison of K. varians strain 80 and previously sequenced strains revealed predicted proteomic differences that can impact its technological properties.

Bacterial identification of acne vulgaris

Background:Â Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit with clinical polymorphic lesion consist of non-inflammatory (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) with varying degree of inflammation and depth. Earlier studies showed that other bacteria might also found and played a role in acne pathogenesis besides Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes).Patients and Methods:Â This descriptive observational study used cross-sectional method. Samples were collected from 40 subjects with AV. We took the samples from non-inflammatory (closed comedones) and inflammatory lesions (pustule) in each subject, followed by Gram staining, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture, and bacterial identification. This research has been approved by the Ethical Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sumatera Utara.Results:Â There were 12 bacterial species that were identified from 80 samples. We identified Cutibacterium acnes (21,2%) in anaerobic culture. While in aerobic culture, we identified Staphylococcus epidermidis (47,5%), Staphylococcus hominis (17,5%), Staphylococcus aureus (8,7%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (8,7%), Leuconostoc mesentroides (6,2%), Micrococcus luteus (3,7%), Kocuria varians (2,5%), Staphylococcus vitulinus (1,2%), Staphylococcus cohnii (1,2%), Staphylococcus arlettae (1,2%) and Dermacoccus nishinomyaensis (1,2%).Conclusion:Â The two most common bacteria in acne vulgaris are Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes

Isolation of actinomycetes from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in semi-intensive systems from Morelos, Mexico central zone

The production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has good technological development; however, today, it is still necessary to make it more efficient. One way to increase efficiency is to prevent disease and improve the food conversion factor. Since previous investigations of tilapia microbiota detected a high proportion of organisms belonging to the order Actinomycetes, this study was to isolate, identify, and describe the species of bacteria microbiota belonging to the cultured Nile tilapia. These were done with Nile tilapia grown in a warm sub-humid climate during spring and summer seasons. The biopsy of different organs was performed for bacteriological culture and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. From the 180 tissue samples, 49 isolates of the order Actinomycetes were obtained, representing ten species from seven genera: Microbacterium, Brevibacterium, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Kocuria, Actinomyces, and Micrococcus. In spring, Microbacterium dominated, accounting for 74% of the total population. In the summer, lower diversity was observed, with 39% represented by Microbacterium. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis enabled the classification of Actinomyces neuii and Microbacterium lacticum as Kocuria varians and Agromyces indicus; the classification of Microbacterium imperiale as Rhodococcus and Micrococcus luteus was confirmed. No sequences of K. varians have been reported in fish. Microbacterium dextranoliticum showed high similarity to environmental samples. Here is the first study that analyzes the bacteria population in tilapia at the genetic level with an ecosystem approach, present in healthy cultured tilapia, indicating their beneficial associations with the host, making them candidates as probiotics, among other possible functions, applicable in tilapia cultivation.

Differences of Microbiomes Found in Non-Inflammatory and Inflammatory Lesions of Acne Vulgaris.

PurposeBacterial activity and inflammation both influence acne vulgaris (AV) formation. Cutibacterium acnes is considered as an actor involved in inflammation of AV. Besides Cutibacterium acnes, other microbiomes found in AV may also play a role in the pathogenesis. This research was conducted to overview microbiomes found in non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions of AV.Patients and MethodsAn observational descriptive study with cross-sectional approach was designed. Sample collection was performed with 40 subjects with AV. In every patient, both non-inflammatory (closed comedone) and inflammatory (pustule) lesion samples were collected by swab. Afterward, bacterial culture was performed, continued by bacterial identification.ResultsIn non-inflammatory lesions, the growth of nine bacterial species was observed from 40 samples. In an anaerobic culture, Cutibacterium acnes (17,5%) was identified. In aerobic cultures, different bacterial species were found including Staphylococcus epidermis (52.5%), Staphylococcus hominis (12.5%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (7.5%), Micrococcus luteus (7.5%), Leuconostoc mesentroides (7.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%), Kocuria varians (5%), and Staphylococcus vitulinus (2.5%). In inflammatory lesions, nine bacterial species were found, in which was the anaerobic culture we identified Cutibacterium acnes (25.0%). Aerobic cultures have revealed the growth colonies of Staphylococcus epidermidis (42.5%), Staphylococcus hominis (22.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (10.0%), Leuconostoc mesentroides (5.0%), Staphylococcus cohnii (2.5%), Staphylococcus arlettae (2.5%), and Dermacoccus nishinomyaensis (2.5%). Two mixed bacterial growths were observed in non-inflammatory lesions, while four mixed bacterial growths were found in inflammatory lesions.ConclusionDifferences in bacterial isolates were observed both in non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions of AV.

Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Production in Catalase-Positive Gram-Positive Cocci Isolated from Brazilian Pasteurized Milk

Background: Milk is a reservoir for several groups of microorganisms, which may pose health risks. The aim of this work was to assess the antibiotic resistance and biofilm production in catalase-positive Gram-positive cocci isolated from Brazilian pasteurized milk. Methods: The bacteria were isolated using Baird-Parker agar and identified by MatrixAssisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-Of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. Disk diffusion technique was used to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility. For qualitative evaluation of biofilm production, the growth technique was used on Congo Red Agar. Results: Totally, 33 out of 64 isolates were identified, including Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=3; 4.7%), Macrococcus caseolyticus (n=14; 21.9%), and Kocuria varians (n=16; 25%). Twenty-two isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Biofilm production was detected in only 5 isolates of K. varians and 1 isolate of S. epidermidis. All 14 M. caseolyticus isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic; but, multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates were not detected. Among all K. varians isolates, 4 were resistant to at least one antibiotic from three different classes and were considered to be MDR. Conclusion: The presence of antibiotic-resistant M. caseolyticus, S. epidermidis, and K. varians isolates, especially MDRs, in milk samples highlights the possible role of milk as a reservoir of resistance genes

Enzymatic Inactivation of Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Bacteria in Biofilms in Combination with Chlorine

This study investigated the effects of enzyme application on biofilms of bacterial isolates from a cafeteria kitchen and foodborne pathogens and the susceptibility of Salmonella biofilms to proteinase K combined with chlorine treatment. For four isolates from a cafeteria kitchen ( Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Kocuria) and six strains of foodborne pathogens ( Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus), the inhibitory effect of enzymes on biofilm formation at 25°C for 24 h or the degradative efficacy of enzymes on 24-h mature biofilm at 37°C for 1 h in tryptic soy broth (TSB) was examined in a polystyrene microtiter plate. The effect of enzymes was also evaluated on a subset of these strains in 20 times diluted TSB (1/20 TSB) at 25°C. The working concentrations of five enzymes were 1 U/100 μL for α-amylase, amyloglucosidase, cellulase, and DNase and 1 milli-Anson unit/100 μL for proteinase K. In addition, 24-h mature Salmonella Typhimurium biofilm on a stainless steel coupon was treated with proteinase K for 1 h at 25°C followed by 20 ppm of chlorine for 1 min at 25°C. The results showed that certain enzymes inhibited biofilm formation by the kitchen-originated bacteria; however, the enzymatic effect was diminished on the mature biofilms. Biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus was suppressed by all tested enzymes, whereas the mature biofilm was degraded by α-amylase, DNase I, and proteinase K. Proteinase K was effective in controlling Salmonella biofilms, whereas a strain-dependent variation was observed in S. aureus biofilms. In 1/20 TSB, Enterobacter cancerogenus and Kocuria varians were more susceptible to certain enzymes during biofilm formation than those in TSB, whereas the enzymatic effect was much decreased on 24-h mature biofilms, regardless of nutrient conditions. Furthermore, synergistic inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium in biofilms was observed in the combined treatment of proteinase K followed by chlorine. Live/Dead assays also revealed a decrease in density and loss of membrane integrity in Salmonella Typhimurium biofilms exposed to the combined treatment. Therefore, certain enzymes can control biofilms of isolates residing in a cafeteria kitchen and foodborne pathogens. This study demonstrates the potential of enzymes for the sanitation of food processing environments and of proteinase K combined with chlorine to control Salmonella biofilms on food contact surfaces.

Comparative study between two red algae for biosynthesis silver nanoparticles capping by SDS: Insights of characterization and antibacterial activity

Biosynthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of attention as a cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential ability of red marine algae Corallina elongata and Gelidium amansii to biosynthesis AgNPs capping with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and to determine its antibacterial efficacy. Characterization of capping AgNPs were determined by Ultra violet-Visible spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Zeta potential and sizer. The results indicated that there is no variation change between capping AgNPs synthesis by two red algae in plasmon resonance peak and also both stable along 3 weeks. The capping nanoparticles size were range from 8 to 25 nm in the case of G. amansii and 12–20 nm C. elongata. The results were obtained from Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that same metals are present in both algae except Vanadium (V) was present with G. amansii. Capping AgNPs biosynthesis by C. elongata had more toxicity to Chlorella vulgaris than that of synthesized by G. amansii. Capping AgNPs by SDS have been shown to enhance antibacterial activity against Micrococcus leutus, Kocuria varians and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 compared to non-capping AgNPs. The antibacterial activity and toxicity of AgNPs is affected by concentrations of capping agent and the biomaterial (red algae) that used for synthesis.

Kocuria tytonis sp. nov., isolated from the uropygial gland of an American barn owl (Tyto furcata).

Avian uropygial glands have received increasing attention in recent years, but little is known about micro-organisms in uropygial glands. In this study, we isolated a strain of Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming cocci, designated 442T, from the uropygial gland of an American barn owl (Tyto furcata) and characterized it using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the isolate in the genus Kocuria. The G+C content was 70.8 mol%, the major menaquinone was MK-7(H2) and the predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene identified Kocuria rhizophila DSM 11926T (99.6 % similarity), Kocuria salsicia DSM 24776T (98.7 %), Kocuria varians DSM 20033T (98.3 %) and Kocuria marina DSM 16420T (98.3 %) as the most closely related species. However, average nucleotide identity values below 86 % indicated that the isolate differed from all species hitherto described. Chemotaxonomic analyses and whole-cell protein profiles corroborated these findings. Accordingly, the isolate is considered to be a member of a novel species, for which the name Kocuria tytonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 442T (=DSM 104130T=LMG 29944T).

Kocuria varians – An emerging cause of ocular infections

Kocuria varians – An emerging cause of ocular infections

Mikrobiologie pivovarské výroby - bakterie Kocuria (Micrococcus) a kultivační metody pro jejich detekci - 1. část

Signifi cant brewery species of micrococcus were reclassifi ed to the genus Kocuria: Kocuria kristinae (previously Micrococcus kristinae) and Kocuria varians (previously Micrococcus varians). Bacteria of genus Kocuria belong to less risky microbial contaminants of beer and brewery plant. Species Kocuria kristinae may exceptionally cause beer spoilage. Signifi cant is their misplacement for pediococci. Here we present an overview of basic morphological and physiological properties of Kocuria (Micrococcus) species and describe their harmfulness in the brewing process.