| Description | Capnocytophaga sputigena is a Gram-negative, non-motile, spiral-shaped bacterium that exhibits a temperature preference category of mesophilic, thriving in temperatures between 25°C and 37°C. It belongs to the group of Heterotrophs, which obtain their energy by breaking down organic compounds. This energy production occurs through the process of fermentation, where C. sputigena utilizes carbohydrates and sugars as its primary energy source. The bacterium's Gram stain result is negative, indicating the presence of a thin peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. Its spiral shape, also known as a helical shape, is a distinctive feature among bacteria and is often associated with opportunistic pathogens. Notably, C. sputigena is found in all body sites, including the mouth, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts, making it a potentially widespread microbe. C. sputigena demonstrates an oxygen preference as an Obligate Anaerobe, meaning it is incapable of surviving in the presence of oxygen and prefers to thrive in anaerobic environments, such as deep within tissues or in low-oxygen environments. This anaerobic nature allows the bacterium to exploit nutrients that would be unavailable to aerobic microorganisms. In terms of its ecological significance, C. sputigena plays a crucial role in the human microbiome, contributing to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and the regulation of the host's immune response. Furthermore, this microbe has been implicated in various human diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, and respiratory tract infections. Its ability to survive in a wide range of environments and its association with various body sites make C. sputigena a significant player in the human microbial ecosystem. |
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