| Description | Atopobium vaginae is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium with a temperature preference of 35-37°C, categorizing it as a thermophilic microbe. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, typically using a respiratory pathway for energy production. This process involves the conversion of glucose and other carbon sources into ATP, indicating its dependence on external carbon and energy sources. As a Gram-positive bacterium, Atopobium vaginae has a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, making it more susceptible to certain antibiotics. Its shape is typically rod-like or coccoid, with individual cells ranging from 0.5-1.5 μm in length. Atopobium vaginae is found on various body sites, including the vagina, cervix, and rectum of healthy women, particularly in the asymptomatic state. It is also present in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. The bacterium prefers to thrive in anaerobic environments, with an oxygen preference of facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions but grows optimally without oxygen. As a clinical isolate, Atopobium vaginae is often associated with diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical infections. Its ability to thrive in anaerobic environments and its potential to produce volatile compounds may contribute to its pathogenic properties. Besides its role in human health, Atopobium vaginae has also been detected in various environmental samples, such as soil and wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, its genetic material has been found in the human gut microbiome, where it may play a role in shaping the local microbial community. |
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