What does this bacterium look like?
Corynebacterium bacteria are usually shaped like sticks or sausages, but in some life stages they are rather bun-shaped. That immediately gave the inspiration for the name, as “koryne” is Greek for bun-shaped. They are about 0.3 to 0.8 micrometers in size, which is small when you know that 1,000 micrometers fit into one millimeter.
What does science already know about this bacterium?
They are very active bacteria with an odor like a cheese smell because they often make volatile fatty acids. Men tend to have more Corynebacterium bacteria on their skin and therefore they are more likely to suffer from body odor. If you would like to read more about this, you can visit this scientific article.
What is this bacterium doing in my mouth?
Corynebacterium are found all over your skin. Most species are totally harmless and are found mostly on the moist parts of your skin. Their favorite spot are skin folds such as between your toes, in the crease of your elbow or knee, your navel, your armpits, under your breasts and groin.
Does this bacterium occur elsewhere?
They occur not only on your skin, but also in the upper respiratory tract and in the gastrointestinal system.