| Description | Streptococcus anginosus is a Gram-positive, chemo-heterotrophic, anaerobic microbe that thrives in a temperature range of 25-40°C, making it a mesophilic microorganism. It is classified as an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and requires a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment to grow. This microbe derives its energy by breaking down organic compounds, specifically carbohydrates, peptides, and fats, using anaerobic respiration. Streptococcus anginosus has a spherical shape, often occurring in chains or pairs, and is typically 0.5-1.0 μm in diameter. It is a facultative anaerobe, capable of tolerating brief exposure to oxygen, but ultimately requires an anaerobic environment for optimal growth. This microbe is often found in all body sites, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and female genital tract, and has been isolated from various environmental sources, such as soil, water, and food. In terms of its metabolism, S. anginosus is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it uses organic compounds as both its energy source and source of carbon. It produces energy through anaerobic respiration, specifically by fermenting glucose and other simple sugars, producing lactic acid as its primary byproduct. S. anginosus has been linked to various diseases, including invasive infections, such as endocarditis, arthritis, and pneumonia. It is also a causative agent of periodontal disease and dental caries, owing to its ability to adhere to tooth surfaces and utilize sugars from dental plaque. This microbe's ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and its presence in various environments, combined with its role in human disease, makes it an important subject of study in the fields of microbiology and medicine. |
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