Rothia (bacterium)

Rothia is a Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterial genus from the family Micrococcaceae. Three species within Rothia have been shown to colonize humans: R. dentocariosa, R. mucilaginosa, and R. aeria''.'' These species are considered to be commensal, but they can cause disease in immunosuppressed humans.
Rothia spp. are prevalent in human saliva and produce enterobactin. They are also prevalent in the human gut and can cause the emergence of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia.
Rothia spp. have been isolated from diverse habitats, including humans, livestock, and natural and built environments. As of 2025, 13 species have been validly published and are recognized as members of the genus Rothia.