| Description | Granulicatella elegans is a gram-positive, coccoid-shaped bacterium that thrives in moderate temperature ranges, classified as a mesophile, and is a chemoheterotroph. This microbe is primarily found in the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, but it can also be isolated from other body sites, including the respiratory tract and urogenital tract. G. elegans is typically categorized as a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, although it prefers environments rich in carbon dioxide. The gram-positive nature of Granulicatella elegans indicates a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, which contributes to its resilience in various environments. Its coccoid shape allows for potential aggregation and biofilm formation, particularly in the oral cavity, which could facilitate its survival in competitive microbial communities. As a mesophile, this microbe thrives at moderate temperatures, generally around human body temperature, making it well-adapted to human-associated niches. As a chemoheterotroph, G. elegans derives its energy and carbon from organic compounds, relying on nutrients present in its natural habitats. Its facultative anaerobic nature allows it to switch metabolic pathways depending on the availability of oxygen, offering it adaptability and persistence in diverse environments. Granulicatella elegans has garnered attention for its potential role in human health and disease, particularly its association with endocarditis and other systemic infections. The bacterium is often overlooked in clinical diagnostics due to its fastidious growth requirements and slow growth rates, raising questions about its significance in polymicrobial infections. The increasing recognition of G. elegans emphasizes the importance of understanding lesser-known microorganisms in the context of human microbiota and their impact on health. |
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