Any of the spherical bacteria that make up the genus Micrococcus .
Widespread in nature, these gram-positive (see gram stain ) cocci (see coccus ) are usually not considered to cause disease. They are normal inhabitants of the human body and may even be essential in keeping the balance among the various microorganisms found on the skin. Some species are found in the dust of the air, in soil, in marine waters, and on the skin of vertebrates. Certain species are found in milk and can result in spoilage.