| Description | Veillonella atypica is a gram-negative, coccoid-shaped microbe that thrives in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 37°C, placing it in the mesophilic category. This microbe is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds and using them as its energy source. V. atypica produces energy through fermentation, specifically by converting glucose into lactate and acetate. V. atypica can be found in various body sites, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and female reproductive tract, of multiple species. Its ability to colonize these diverse environments is likely due to its adaptability to different temperatures, pH levels, and oxygen levels. V. atypica is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. This is likely due to the fact that it lacks superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that helps protect against oxygen radicals. In anaerobic environments, V. atypica is able to metabolize carbohydrates and produce energy through fermentation. Despite being an obligate anaerobe, V. atypica has been found to be closely associated with the oral flora of humans, where it coexists with other microorganisms that are capable of producing oxygen. This suggests that V. atypica may have developed mechanisms to survive in environments with low oxygen levels, such as the dental plaque. Veillonella atypica plays a crucial role in the human microbiome, contributing to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and influencing the composition of oral flora. Additionally, studies have linked V. atypica to the development of dental caries and other oral diseases. |
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