Peptostreptococcus anaerobius
Classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Firmicutes
Class: Clostridia
Order: Clostridiales
Family: Clostridiaceae
Genus: Peptostreptococcus
Species
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius or P. anaerobius
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and Significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius is a slow growing, Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) bacteria. This means that it is not able to grow in oxygen-rich environments. P. anaerobius, under the correct harsh conditions, becomes an opportunistic pathogen that can cause multiple deep organ abscesses and infections in the abdominal cavity and female urogenitary tract (academic oup). Peptostreptococcus anaerobius is a short chain cocci which means it is a spherical bacterium with a size of 0.5µ to 0.6µ.
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius is one of the most frequently isolated and most common gram-positive cocci. P. anaerobius is part of the normal microbial flora within the human mouth and female genitourinary system (cmr-asm). Their optimal growth temperature is 37°C on blood agar where they form a raised, white, glossy colony (science direct).
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius is known to be biochemically inactive.
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius displays a large importance in the field of medicine. As mentioned, P. anaerobius is an opportunistic pathogen. This means that it can cause infections all throughout the human body. Some infections can be very severe while others can be small. However, rates of infection due to P. anaerobius and other GPAC's are increasing, which puts an even larger importance on P. anaerobius. Researching their properties and resistance to antibiotics is key to not only understanding the microbe but combatting future infections.
Genome Structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.
