| Description | Neisseria elongata is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium categorized as a mesophile, which thrives optimally at moderate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 37°C. As a chemoheterotroph, this microbe derives its energy and carbon from organic compounds, making it dependent on the surrounding environment for nutrients. Neisseria elongata can be found in diverse body sites, including the human nasopharynx, oral cavity, and urogenital tract, indicating its role as part of the normal microbiota in these regions. Furthermore, this bacterium is classified as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to survive in both the presence and absence of oxygen, thereby adapting to varying environmental conditions within the host. The Gram-negative nature of Neisseria elongata is characterized by a thinner peptidoglycan layer compared to Gram-positive bacteria, which affects its staining properties and contributes to its susceptibility to certain antibiotics. The rod shape enables efficient motility and colonization of mucosal surfaces, facilitating its interaction with host tissues. As a mesophile, Neisseria elongata is well-adapted to human body temperatures, which supports its growth and metabolism within the host.Additionally, its chemoheterotrophic lifestyle highlights its importance in nutrient cycling within the human microbiome. This microbe can be a part of polymicrobial communities, interacting synergistically or antagonistically with other microorganisms. Notably, while Neisseria elongata is typically non-pathogenic, it has been implicated in opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Its ability to form biofilms in certain conditions allows it to persist in diverse environments, which may contribute to its role in health and disease. Understanding Neisseria elongata’s ecological and physiological characteristics can offer insights into its potential impacts on human health and microbial interactions. |
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