What is the growth rate of streptococcus bacteria found in human saliva?
Streptococcus bacterium, grows best in 5% carbon dioxide. Nearly 20% of fresh clinical isolates require fully anaerobic conditions. In all cases, growth requires a source of catalase (e.g. blood) to neutralize the large amount of hydrogen peroxide produced by the bacteria. In complex media containing blood, at 37°C, the bacterium has a doubling time of 20-30 minutes.
