Porphyromonas endodontalis
Classification
Bacteria (Kingdom); Bacteroidetes (Phylum); Bacteroidetes (Class); Bacteroidales(Order); Porphyromonadaceae (Family); Porphyromonas (Genus)
Genus Species
Porphyromonas endodontalis
Description and Significance
Give a brief description of the microorganism and explain why you think it is important. How does it relate to the other organisms in its phylum (bacteria and fungi) or group (archaea, virus, protist). Use the following for each reference in text (change number accordingly)--> [1]
Porphyromonas endodontalis is a black pigmented gram-negative microbe associated with endodontic infections as well as gingivitis and tooth pulp necrosis. However it is not the only microbe associated with these diseases. Prophyromonas gingivalis is native to the oral cavity and also plays a role in gingivitis. Porphyromonas endodontalis, however, is not normally found in a healthy mouth. [1]
Unlike other members of the genus Porphyromonas, P. endodontalis have shown optimum growth in culture around 37[[^]o]C
Structure, Metabolism, and Life Cycle
Interesting features of its structure; how it gains energy (how it replicates, if virus); what important molecules it produces (if any), does it have an interesting life cycle?
Porphyromonas endodontalis are anaerobic, black pigmented, nonsporeforming, nonmotile rods that utilize nitrogeneous substrates as energy sources. [2] The black pigment is observed in colonies after 7 to 14 days. The major pigment associated to the dark color is protoheme, although protoporphyrin is also associated to the color. Much like other gram-negative bacteria, prophyromonas endodontalis have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan but has a high concentration of lysine. [2]
The major products of fermentation are n-butyric and acetic acids as well as lower levels of propionic , isobutyric, and isovaleric acids.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Natural habitat (soil, water, commensal of humans or animals?)
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, or plant hosts? Important virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
[1] Cao, H. H., Qi, Z. Z., Jiang, H. H., Zhao, J. J., Liu, Z. Z., & Tang, Z. Z. (2012). Detection of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population. International Endodontic Journal, 45(8), 773-781. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2591.2012.02035.x
[2] Shah HN, Collins MD. Proposal for reclassification of Bacteroides asaccharolyticus, Bacteroides gingivalis, and Bacteroides endodontalis in a new genus, Porphyromonas. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1988; 38: 128–31.
Author
Page authored by Isaac Colden, student of Mandy Brosnahan, Instructor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MICB 3301/3303: Biology of Microorganisms.
