| Description | Mycoplasma conjunctivae is a Gram-negative, tiny, and spherical-shaped microorganism that thrives in a temperature category of 25-37°C, making it a mesophilic species. Its metabolism is heterotrophic, relying on organic compounds for energy and nutrients. As a photoheterotroph, it utilizes energy from light, but also requires organic substrates for growth. Mycoplasma conjunctivae produces its energy through fermentation, a process in which it breaks down glucose and other organic compounds to produce ATP. This microbe is capable of colonizing various body sites across all possible species, including the human eye, where it can cause conjunctivitis. Oxygen is not essential for the survival of M. conjunctivae, as it is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot tolerate the presence of oxygen. In fact, oxygen can be toxic to this microbe, making it sensitive to oxidative stress. M. conjunctivae is a member of the genus Mycoplasma, which comprises a group of bacteria that lack a cell wall and have a unique membrane structure. These microbes are able to bind to and exchange genetic material with other bacteria, making them important players in the bacterial community. Some species of Mycoplasma have been linked to various diseases in humans and animals, whereas others are commensals or even beneficial to their hosts. In the case of M. conjunctivae, it is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, in humans and other animals. Despite its potential to cause disease, M. conjunctivae has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. |
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