| Description | Atopobium parvulum is a mesophilic, chemoheterotrophic, gram-positive bacterium characterized by its coccoid shape, predominantly found in human oral cavities and the urogenital tract. This microbe thrives optimally at moderate temperatures, favoring conditions typically found within the human body. As a chemoheterotroph, A. parvulum derives its energy from organic compounds, utilizing various carbohydrates and proteins as substrates for growth and metabolism. It is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, which significantly impacts its ecological niches, primarily within anaerobic environments such as biofilms in the oral cavity and in the mucosal surfaces of the urogenital tract. The gram-positive nature of A. parvulum allows it to retain the crystal violet stain used in gram staining procedures, forming a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall that provides structural integrity and protection. Its coccoid shape contributes to its ability to form clusters, which can play a role in its interactions with other microorganisms within biofilms. Atopobium parvulum is considered a part of the normal microbiota of humans, although its presence is notably associated with various health conditions. Research indicates a potential link between this microbe and bacterial vaginosis, where an imbalance in the microbial community can lead to adverse symptoms and potential complications. Additionally, A. parvulum has been studied for its potential role in oral health, with implications in dental diseases like periodontitis. This bacterium highlights the delicate balance of symbiotic relationships in human microbiomes and the complexities of microbial interactions within different body sites. |
|---|
