Fecal streptococci are a group of bacteria found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

 Fecal streptococci are a group of bacteria found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are used as indicators of fecal contamination in water and food. 

Characteristics 

Gram-positive: Fecal streptococci are gram-positive cocci, meaning they have spherical or ovoid cells.

Aerotolerant anaerobes: They lack cytochromes and catalase, but have superoxide dismutase.

Ferment carbohydrates: They ferment carbohydrates to produce lactic acid.

Grow best at 37°C: Their optimum growth temperature is around 37°C.

Species

Enterococcus faecalis: A predominant species of fecal streptococci 

Enterococcus faecium: A predominant species of fecal streptococci 

Streptococcus bovis: A species of fecal streptococci that is found in animals 

Streptococcus equinus: A species of fecal streptococci that is found in animals 

Uses 

Pollution indicators: Fecal streptococci are used to indicate pollution in water and food.

Food safety: Fecal streptococci can be used to trace the sanitary history of food products.

Limitations 

The EPA no longer recommends using the ratio of fecal coliforms to streptococci to determine the source of contamination