Brevibacterium

Brevibacterium is a genus of bacteria of the order Actinomycetales. They are Gram-positive soil organisms. It is the sole genus in the family Brevibacteriaceae.

Note: Brevibacterium stationis may now be re-classified as Corynebacterium stationis.

Brevibacterium linens is ubiquitously present on the human skin, where it causes foot odor. The familiar odor is due to sulphur containing compounds known as S-methyl thioesters. The same bacterium is also employed to ferment several cheeses such as Munster, Limburger, Port-du-Salut, Raclette, Livarot, Pont l'Eveque and Năsal. Its aroma also attracts mosquitoes.