| Description | Mycoplasma agalactiae is a microbe that thrives in a temperature range of 25-37°C, falling under the category of mesophiles. It is a chemo-heterotroph, meaning it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds and using them as its energy source. M. agalactiae produces its energy through fermentation, specifically by converting glucose into lactic acid. Gram staining reveals that M. agalactiae has a characteristic Gram-negative cell wall, consisting of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane. Its shape is spherical, with most cells ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 μm in diameter. As a ubiquitous microbe, M. agalactiae can be found colonizing various body sites in all possible species, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. M. agalactiae is an anaerobe, preferring oxygen levels ranging from 0-10% of atmospheric levels, and is classified as an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. In terms of its ecological significance, M. agalactiae has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including bovine mastitis, pneumonia, and septicemia. It has also been isolated from the respiratory tracts of pigs, goats, and humans, suggesting its potential role in human respiratory disorders. Furthermore, M. agalactiae has been shown to have a unique ability to alter the host cell membrane, allowing it to survive and replicate within the host. In recent studies, M. agalactiae has been found to produce a novel lipoprotein that plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis. This discovery has significant implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against M. agalactiae-mediated diseases. |
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