Lactococcus / Streptococcus (Lactic acid cocci)
Lactococcus / Streptococcus
Japanese: 乳酸球菌（Lactococcus属 / Streptococcus属）
A group of spherical lactic acid bacteria. They play important roles in cheese and yogurt production, and together with Lactobacillus constitute the two major morphologies of LAB.
Lactic acid cocci are spherical lactic acid bacteria. Representative species include Lactococcus lactis, essential for cheese-making, and Streptococcus thermophilus for yogurt. Both are leading figures in dairy fermentation.
Lactococcus lactis has also attracted attention in biotechnology. Its high safety profile and ease of genetic manipulation have advanced research into using it as a delivery vehicle for vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
When classified by shape, lactic acid bacteria are broadly divided into rod-shaped bacilli and spherical cocci. Though their forms differ, both share the same essence: producing lactic acid.