It is a facultative anaerobic[1] Gram positive coccus usually preferring capnophilic or microaerophilic environments.

The name change followed closer examination with DNA filter hybridization (by Kilpper-Balz and Schleifer) which found it was very close to the species Gemella haemolysans.

[4] Gemella morbillorum is rarely a cause of disease in humans, though it may be found benignly in the oropharyngeal area.

Infections, when found, are similar to viridans Streptococci in range.

It has also been reported as among the most common bacteria present in teeth with cysts that do not resolve after repeated root canal treatments.