| Description | Schaalia cardiffensis is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorizing it as a moderate-temperature organism. As a chemoheterotroph, it derives energy from organic compounds while simultaneously absorbing nutrients from its environment, making it dependent on other organic matter for growth. This microbe has been predominantly isolated from human clinical specimens, particularly in diverse body sites including the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system. Notably, it can behave as a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, which affords it adaptability in various environments. The gram-negative nature of Schaalia cardiffensis is significant as it implies a complex cell wall structure, characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane. This structural complexity often contributes to its resilience against certain antibiotics, complicating treatment options for infections. Its rod shape facilitates motility in liquid environments, enhancing its ability to colonize various body sites and access nutrients. The mesophilic temperature preference indicates that this bacterium generally thrives in moderate temperature ranges, typically between 20°C and 45°C, which aligns with the environmental conditions found in the human body. The facultative anaerobic lifestyle provides it with metabolic flexibility, allowing it to adapt to fluctuations in oxygen availability and survive in different microenvironments within the host. Schaalia cardiffensis has been notably associated with opportunistic infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Its recent identification underscores the importance of ongoing microbial research, as it illustrates the expanding horizon of human-associated bacteria and their potential implications for health and disease. The evolving understanding of such microbes highlights the intricate relationships between humans and their resident microbiota. |
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