Anaerococcus

Anaerococcus is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that are part of the human microbiota. These bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they do not require oxygen for growth, and are typically found in the human body, particularly in the skin, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal tract.

Taxonomy

Anaerococcus belongs to the family Peptoniphilaceae, within the order Clostridiales. The genus was first described in 2001 and includes several species, such as Anaerococcus hydrogenalis, Anaerococcus lactolyticus, and Anaerococcus prevotii.

Morphology

Anaerococcus species are cocci, meaning they have a spherical shape. They are non-motile and do not form spores. These bacteria are Gram-positive, which means they retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure.

Metabolism

Anaerococcus species are obligate anaerobes, which means they can only survive in environments devoid of oxygen. They obtain energy through the fermentation of various substrates, including amino acids and carbohydrates. Their metabolic activities contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids and other metabolites.

Ecology

Anaerococcus species are part of the normal flora of the human body. They are commonly found in the skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract. These bacteria play a role in maintaining the balance of the microbiota and can be involved in the breakdown of complex molecules.

Clinical Significance

While Anaerococcus species are generally harmless as part of the normal microbiota, they can become opportunistic pathogens. They have been associated with various infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or when the normal barriers of the body are breached. Infections can include skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia, and intra-abdominal infections.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of infections caused by Anaerococcus species involves the isolation and identification of the bacteria from clinical specimens. This can be achieved through anaerobic culture techniques and molecular methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Treatment

Infections caused by Anaerococcus species are typically treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the susceptibility profile of the isolated strain. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillins, clindamycin, and metronidazole.

Research

Research on Anaerococcus is ongoing to better understand their role in the human microbiota and their potential involvement in disease. Studies are also focused on the development of new diagnostic methods and treatment options for infections caused by these bacteria.

See also

• Microbiota
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Opportunistic infection

External links

• Anaerococcus at NCBI