Streptomyces is the largest genus of Actinobacteria and the type genus of the family Streptomycetaceae. Over 500 species of Streptomyces bacteria have been described. As with the other Actinobacteria, streptomycetes are gram-positive, and have genomes with high guanine and cytosine content. Found predominantly in soil and decaying vegetation, most streptomycetes produce spores, and are noted for their distinct "earthy" odor which results from production of a volatile metabolite, geosmin.
Streptomycetes are infrequent pathogens, though infections in human such as mycetoma can be caused by S. somaliensis and S. sudanensis.
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