Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊkˌɒkəs jˈʊ͡əɹiː] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "Micrococcus ureae" is [mˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊkˌɒkəs jˈʊ͡əɹiː], [mˈaɪkɹəʊkˌɒkəs jˈʊəɹiː], [m_ˈaɪ_k_ɹ_əʊ_k_ˌɒ_k_ə_s j_ˈʊə_ɹ_iː] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Micrococcus ureae is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Micrococcus. It is a Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming bacterium. Micrococcus ureae is commonly found in soil, water, air, and various animal sources, including the nasal passages and skin of humans. It is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing infections in individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing invasive medical procedures.
This bacterium is characterized by its ability to metabolize urea, a waste product of protein metabolism, resulting in the production of ammonia. This feature sets it apart from many other Micrococcus species. Micrococcus ureae is catalase positive and oxidase negative, distinguishing it from other similar bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
In clinical settings, Micrococcus ureae has been implicated in various infections, including urinary tract infections, wound infections, and bacteremia. It has also been associated with infections related to indwelling catheters, surgical implants, and peritoneal dialysis. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is thought to be primarily due to its ability to form biofilms, which enhance its resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses.
Identification of Micrococcus ureae can be achieved through various methods, including microscopic examination, culture on specific agar media, and biochemical tests. In the laboratory, it is known for its distinct colony morphology, appearing as small, round, convex, and creamy or yellow colonies. Differentiation from other Micrococcus species may require additional tests such as DNA sequencing or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).
A species, usually in streptococcal form, causing ammoniacal fermentation in urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Micrococcus" comes from the Greek words "mikros" meaning "small" and "kokkos" meaning "berry" or "grain". It refers to the small, spherical shape of the bacteria cells under microscopic observation.
The term "ureae" refers to the bacteria's ability to utilize urea as a source of energy. Urea is a compound found in urine and other bodily fluids, and the suffix "-ae" in Latin refers to belonging to or relating to something. So, "ureae" indicates that the bacteria can utilize urea.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "Micrococcus ureae" implies a small, spherical bacteria capable of using urea as a nutrient source.
