| Description | Parvimonas micra is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a wide range of temperatures, favoring a mesophilic temperature preference category. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, utilizing a fermentative metabolism to produce lactate and succinate as its primary energy source. Parvimonas micra is capable of aerobic respiration, employing a complex electron transport chain to generate ATP. Microscopically, Parvimonas micra appears as a slender, curved rod, typically measuring between 0.5-1.0 μm in length. It exhibits a characteristic gram-negative morphology, featuring an outer membrane and a thin peptidoglycan layer. Parvimonas micra can be found colonizing various body sites across all possible species, including the skin, mouth, throat, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system. It is an obligate anaerobe, requiring a lack of oxygen to survive, and is sensitive to atmospheric oxygen levels. Despite its limited metabolic capabilities, Parvimonas micra plays a significant role in human health and disease. It has been implicated in the development of oral infections, such as periodontitis and dental caries, and has been linked to respiratory tract disorders, including bronchitis and pneumonia. Furthermore, research has shown that Parvimonas micra is capable of producing enzymes with potential therapeutic applications, including proteinases and lipases. As Parvimonas micra is a common inhabitant of human mucosal surfaces, its interactions with the host immune system and potential pathogenic mechanisms are still an active area of investigation. Advances in our understanding of this microbe's biology and ecology may lead to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of associated diseases. |
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