| Description | Gemella morbillorum is a gram-positive, spherical to oval-shaped microbe that thrives in a temperature range of 25-37°C, classifying it as a mesophile. As a heterotroph, it requires an external source of energy and cannot produce its own, relying on the breakdown of complex organic molecules for sustenance. Specifically, it is a chemoheterotroph, using enzymes to degrade nutrient-rich substrates and generate energy through cellular respiration. The bacterium produces energy primarily through the process of fermentation, anaerobically converting glucose into lactate and ethanol. This process occurs without the presence of oxygen, which Gemella morbillorum tolerates as an aerotolerant anaerobe. In other words, it can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments, albeit more efficiently in the absence of oxygen. Gemella morbillorum is typically found in various body sites across all human species, including the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract. Its ability to colonize and thrive in these diverse environments is attributed to its versatility in adapting to different conditions. In addition to its opportunistic presence in human hosts, Gemella morbillorum has been isolated from dental plaque, causing dental caries and periodontal disease in some cases. It has also been linked to respiratory infections, such as bronchiectasis and pneumonias, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Gemella morbillorum has been studied extensively in the context of its pathogenesis and epidemiology, with research focusing on its molecular mechanisms of infection and transmission. Despite its potential to cause disease, it is also recognized as a harmless commensal flora, playing a role in the human microbiome's overall health and diversity. |
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