| Description | Bartonella quintana is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives at a mesophilic temperature preference, is classified as a chemoheterotroph, and is known for its facultative anaerobic capabilities. This microbe is primarily associated with human infections and primarily colonizes erythrocytes, endothelial cells, and other tissues, which enables it to persist in the bloodstream and tissues of its host.Bartonella quintana's gram-negative nature is characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which can elicit strong immune responses. Being rod-shaped allows B. quintana to exhibit a flexible movement in liquid environments, facilitating its spread through blood and lymphatic systems. The mesophilic temperature preference indicates that it thrives best in moderate temperatures, typically associated with the human body, making it well-adapted for parasitism in humans.As a chemoheterotroph, B. quintana derives its energy and carbon from organic compounds, primarily by degrading host nutrients. Its facultative anaerobic nature allows it to survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, giving it an advantage in various host tissue environments, which may have fluctuating oxygen levels.Bartonella quintana is historically significant as the causative agent of trench fever, a disease that plagued soldiers during World War I. This microbe is transmitted mainly by body lice and has been linked to other conditions, including endocarditis and other vascular diseases. Additionally, recent research has suggested that B. quintana may play a role in complications related to immune system disorders, illustrating its potential impact on public health. |
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