This species was formerly known as Streptococcus morbillorum but was moved to Gemella on the basis of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequence comparisons.

Facultative anaerobe producing small (<0.5 mm diameter) colonies after two days aerobic growth on Blood Agar plates. It is reported that anaerobic incubation may be required for growth on initial isolation but that strains become aerotolerant on subsequent subcultures.

Gram positive cocci found in pairs or short chains. Weakly fermentative and generally unreactive in commonly used biochemical and physiological tests and thus difficult to definitively identify by phenotypic means; molecular identification is recommended [1].

Found in dental plaque, on the tongue and has been isolated from periodontal pockets in periodontitis and exudate from pericoronitis associated with erupting third molars

Although found as part of the normal microbiota of the mouth and gastrointestinal orogenital tracts, Gemella morbillorum is capable of causing a wide range of infections. Most of these can be attributed to spread via the bloodstream and thus infective endocarditis is the commonest. Other infections include meningitis, brain, liver and lung abscess, osteomyelitis and septic thrombophlebitis.