| Description | Kingella oralis is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives at human body temperature (37°C) and is categorized as a facultative anaerobe. This microbe is primarily found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of humans, making it part of the normal microbiome. Though often a benign inhabitant, it can also be linked to opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. As a gram-negative organism, K. oralis possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane, which contributes to its structural integrity and influence on pathogenicity. Its rod shape facilitates motility and colonization within the diverse environments of the human body. Being a facultative anaerobe allows K. oralis to adapt to varying oxygen levels; it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen, which is advantageous in the inconsistent environments of the human mouth and throat. In terms of metabolism, K. oralis is classified as a chemoheterotroph. It derives its energy from organic compounds, often sourced from its host or the surrounding environment, which is consistent with its adaptation to the oral cavity, a nutrient-rich habitat. This metabolic flexibility provides the bacterium with the ability to thrive in a complex ecosystem characterized by numerous microbial interactions. Additionally, Kingella oralis has been a subject of study due to its role in dental health. Its presence in dental plaques suggests that it may be involved in biofilm formation, which can contribute to oral diseases like periodontitis. Though often overlooked, this microbe exemplifies the delicate balance of human microbiota, where even commensals can have significant implications for health and disease. |
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