| Description | Fusobacterium nucleatum is a gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in the mesophilic temperature range, categorizing it as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in all body sites of various species, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and genital tract, and is an obligate anaerobe. As a gram-negative microbe, F. nucleatum has a unique outer membrane structure, which plays a crucial role in its pathogenicity and ability to evade the host's immune system. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to easily adhere to and invade host cells, contributing to its ability to cause disease. The mesophilic temperature preference of F. nucleatum indicates that it grows best in temperatures between 20-45°C, which is typical of most human body temperatures. As a chemoheterotroph, F. nucleatum relies on chemical reactions to obtain energy and organic compounds from its environment, rather than producing its own through photosynthesis or other means. The presence of F. nucleatum in various body sites suggests that it is a highly adaptable microbe, capable of surviving and thriving in different environments. As an obligate anaerobe, F. nucleatum requires the absence of oxygen to grow and survive, which is why it is often found in areas with low oxygen levels, such as the gastrointestinal tract. The ability of F. nucleatum to infect and cause disease in various parts of the body has led to research into its role in certain types of cancer, where it has been found to promote tumor growth and metastasis by suppressing the immune system and creating a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. |
|---|
