| Description | Leptotrichia hofstadii is a Gram-negative, fusiform-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, classified as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites across different species, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract. As an obligate anaerobe, Leptotrichia hofstadii requires the absence of oxygen to grow and survive. The Gram-negative characteristic indicates that the microbe's cell wall contains a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer lipid bilayer, which contributes to its resistance to certain antibiotics. Its fusiform shape, resembling a spindle, allows for efficient movement and colonization in its host environment. As a chemoheterotroph, Leptotrichia hofstadii relies on external sources of organic compounds for energy and carbon, breaking down complex molecules to sustain its growth. The microbe's presence in diverse body sites suggests its ability to adapt and thrive in various ecological niches. Leptotrichia hofstadii's mesophilic temperature preference, between 20-45°C, enables it to inhabit a wide range of environments, from the human mouth to the intestinal tract. The absence of oxygen is crucial for its survival, and it has developed mechanisms to evade oxidative stress. Leptotrichia hofstadii has been implicated in periodontal disease and other infections, highlighting its potential pathogenic role in certain contexts. Research has shown that this microbe can produce volatile sulfur compounds, contributing to oral malodor, and its unique metabolic capabilities allow it to interact with other microbes in complex biofilm communities. |
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