Characteristics
A prominent characteristic of Streptococcus equinus is its inability to ferment lactose and mannitol.
Morphology: Generally, appears as short chains of spherical or ovoid cells. These chains are somewhat longer in broth cultures than milk. Some cultures form extremely long chains in broth.
Temperature of Growth: Streptococcus equinus has a high minimum temperature of growth, evidenced by little or no growth in gelatin cultures at temperatures lower than 21°C. No growth occurs at 10°C nor at 15°C, and growth is very slow at 21°C. The maximum temperature of growth takes place at 45°C, and 47°C where growth seldom occurs. No growth occurs at 48°C.
Growth Medium: It does not grow well in nor coagulate milk. However, it has a high fermentative power in glucose broth.The organism grows with vigor in glucose-peptone-litmus milk.
Thermal Resistance: It has a higher resistance possessed by pathogenic streptococci, but substantially lower than that of thermoduric streptococci.
Most of the other properties of Streptococcus equinus have not yet been determined.
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