NAME: Gemella haemolysans
SYNONYM OR CROSS REFERENCE: N/A
CHARACTERISTICS: Gram positive cocci; however they are easily decolorized and may appear gram negative or gram variable; occurs as diplococci with adjacent sides flattened (resembles those of neisseria); aerobic or facultatively anaerobic
PATHOGENICITY: Normal flora of oral cavity or upper respiratory tract; low virulence, opportunistic agent for compromised hosts isolated from bronchial secretions and human gingiva; infection often occurs in previously damaged tissue - endocarditis; septic shock, meningitis, arthritis and pneumonia
EPIDEMIOLOGY: Worldwide occurrence
HOST RANGE: Humans; mammals
INFECTIOUS DOSE: Unknown
MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Unknown
INCUBATION PERIOD: Unknown
COMMUNICABILITY: Not transmitted from person-to-person
RESERVOIR: Many species of mammals
ZOONOSIS: None
VECTORS: None
DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY: Sensitive to penicillin, streptomycin, tetrasulfathiazole, chloramphenicol, vancomycin
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISINFECTANTS: Susceptible to many disinfectants - 1% sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, iodines
PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: Sensitive to moist heat (121° C for at least 15 min) and dry heat (160-170° C for at least 1 hour)
SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: Does not survive well outside of host
SURVEILLANCE: Monitor for symptoms; immunological techniques not available
FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Wash exposed area with soap and warm water (omit soap if mucous membrane exposure); antibiotic therapy
IMMUNIZATION: None
PROPHYLAXIS: Not usually administered
LABORATORY-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: No reported cases of laboratory infection with Gemella spp.
SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Bronchial specimens; mucous membranes, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine or wound specimens
PRIMARY HAZARDS: Hazard of infection is low, however, avoid accidental parenteral inoculation, ingestion, and inhalation of infectious droplets
SPECIAL HAZARDS: None
CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS: Well designed laboratory with good microbiological techniques; this level of containment does not allow for any additional risk that may present for those persons with pre-existing disease, compromised immunity or who are pregnant
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Laboratory coat; gloves when contact with infectious materials is unavoidable
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: None
SPILLS: Allow aerosols to settle; wearing protective clothing, gently cover spill with absorbent paper towel and apply 1% sodium hypochlorite, starting at perimeter and working towards the centre; allow sufficient contact time (30 min) before clean up
DISPOSAL: Decontaminate before disposal; steam sterilization, chemical disinfection
STORAGE: In sealed containers that are appropriately labelled
Date prepared: April, 2001
Prepared by: Office of Laboratory Security, PHAC
Although the information, opinions and recommendations contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet are compiled from sources believed to be reliable, we accept no responsibility for the accuracy, sufficiency, or reliability or for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information. Newly discovered hazards are frequent and this information may not be completely up to date.
Copyright ©
Health Canada, 2001