Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) is a fascinating gram-positive bacterium that thrives in the viridans group..

• S. thermophilus is widely used in the dairy industry.

• In 1998, it contributed to the production of over 1.02 billion kilograms of mozzarella cheese and 621 million kilograms of yogurt 1.

• Unlike some pathogenic Streptococcus species, S. thermophilus is considered safe for food production.

• Yogurt and cheese containing live cultures of S. thermophilus are believed to be beneficial for health, especially aiding those who are lactose-intolerant