Domain Bacteria
High Gram-Positive - Actinobacteria

The High Gram-Positive (or Actinobacteria) are a large group of non-mobile, spore-forming bacteria.

Most live in soil, playing a crucial role in the decomposition of organic materials.

But other High Gram-Positives are pathogens causing immense harm to humanity. They are resposible for tuberculosis, leprosy, diptheria and even acne. Worse, they continue to grow resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics.

• Mycobacteria cause tuberculosis and leprosy.
• Bifidobacteria have a natural and symbiotic relationship with humans as intestinal flora.
• Streptomycetes are soil bacteria with complex biochemistry. They produce antibiotics in clinical use.
• Corynebacteria causes respiratory diseases like diphtheria.
• Propionibacteria cause acne.
• Actinomyces colonize gums and teeth, often causing disease.

The older name Actinomycetes refers to the braching filaments some High Gram-Positives form, which resemble the mycelia threads of the unrelated Fungi.

DNA chemistry distinguishes the High Gram-Positives differ from the Low Gram-Positives.