1. Classification

a. Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Bacteriodetes; Flavobacteriia; Flavobacteriales; Flavobacteriaceae; Capnocytophaga

b. Species

Capnocytophaga ochracea

2. Description and significance

Capnocytophaga ochracea is a gram-negative fusiform-to-rod shaped bacterium that grows in clumps and moves by gliding despite having no flagella (1). This capnophilic aerotolerant anaerobe is found in the oral cavity of humans and contributes to early plaque formation on teeth by being a physical intermediate link between several Streptococcus species and F. nucleatum (2). Dental plaque is associated with periodontal disease and dental caries which is the single most prevalent disease in children (3).

In addition to oral disease, C. ochracea is known to cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. In immunocompetent patients, intrauterine infections, endocarditis and septic arthritis may occur (4).

3. 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?

4. Cell structure

Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”

5. Metabolic processes

Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).

6. Ecology

Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.

7. Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

7. Key microorganisms

Include this section if your Wiki page focuses on a microbial process, rather than a specific taxon/group of organisms

8. Current Research

Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose

9. References

It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.

Capnocytophaga ochracea

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