| Description | Fusobacterium mortiferum is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in anaerobic environments with temperatures ranging from 25-45°C, placing it in the mesophilic temperature preference category. As a chemoheterotroph, F. mortiferum derives its energy by breaking down organic matter, its preferred energy source. This process of energy production involves the conversion of glucose and other carbohydrates into pyruvate, which is then fermented into lactic acid, ethanol, or acetate. F. mortiferum's cell walls stain Gram-negative, indicating the presence of a thin peptidoglycan layer, and its rod-shaped morphology allows it to inhabit a wide range of environments. As an anaerobic microorganism, F. mortiferum is unable to survive in the presence of oxygen and instead thrives in environments with low or no oxygen levels, such as the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. F. mortiferum is present on all body sites, including the oral cavity, nasal passages, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, in individuals across all species. Its ability to colonize these areas is due to its specific adaptations to anaerobic environments and its ability to produce enzymes that break down complex organic matter. As an Obligate Anaerobe, F. mortiferum requires a completely oxygen-free environment to carry out its metabolic processes, making it vulnerable to oxygen exposure. The microbe's sensitivity to oxygen is likely a result of the instability of its electron transport chain, which is essential for energy production. In human health, F. mortiferum has been implicated in various diseases, including periodontitis, gingivitis, and colonic diseases. Furthermore, research suggests that this microbe may play a role in the development of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Despite its potential pathogenic capabilities, F. mortiferum also has the ability to form symbiotic relationships with its human host, influencing the composition of the microbiome and contributing to overall health. |
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