Capnocytophaga gingivalis

General Information

Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a fascinating microorganism primarily found in the human oral cavity. This bacterium is part of the normal flora of the mouth but can become pathogenic under certain conditions. One of the most interesting aspects of C. gingivalis is its association with periodontal disease, where it contributes to the complex microbial community that leads to gum inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Capnocytophaga gingivalis is also notable for its ability to degrade a wide range of host proteins, which plays a significant role in its pathogenicity. This proteolytic activity allows the bacterium to invade tissues and evade the host immune response. Additionally, C. gingivalis has been studied for its potential role in systemic conditions such as endocarditis and septicemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. From a research perspective, C. gingivalis is valuable due to its unique metabolic capabilities. It can utilize a variety of carbon sources, including amino acids and peptides, which is relatively uncommon among oral bacteria. This metabolic flexibility not only supports its survival in the competitive environment of the oral cavity but also makes it an interesting subject for studies on microbial ecology and metabolism. Moreover, C. gingivalis has been implicated in the formation of dental plaque, a biofilm that is a precursor to more severe oral diseases. Understanding the role of C. gingivalis in plaque formation and maintenance can provide insights into preventing and treating periodontal diseases. In summary, Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a microorganism of significant interest due to its pathogenic potential, metabolic versatility, and role in oral health and disease. Its study offers valuable insights into microbial interactions, host-pathogen dynamics, and potential therapeutic targets for oral and systemic infections.

Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a fascinating member of the Capnocytophaga genus, primarily known for its role in the human oral microbiome. This organism is a fastidious, anaerobic bacterium that thrives in the complex environment of the oral cavity, particularly in periodontal pockets. Its unique ability to adhere to epithelial cells and other bacteria makes it a significant player in the formation of dental plaque and the progression of periodontal disease. One of the most interesting aspects of C. gingivalis is its association with oral health and disease. Research has shown that it is often found in higher concentrations in individuals with periodontal disease, suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of this condition. This has led to investigations into its virulence factors, which may include the production of enzymes that degrade host tissues and modulate immune responses. Furthermore, C. gingivalis has been studied for its metabolic capabilities, particularly its ability to utilize a variety of carbohydrates and amino acids, which allows it to thrive in the nutrient-rich environment of the oral cavity. This metabolic versatility not only contributes to its survival but also influences the overall microbial community structure in the mouth. From a research perspective, C. gingivalis serves as a valuable model organism for studying the interactions between oral bacteria and the host immune system. Understanding its role in periodontal disease could lead to the development of targeted therapies and preventive measures. Additionally, its unique characteristics make it a subject of interest in the broader context of microbial ecology and the dynamics of polymicrobial infections. In summary, Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a notable bacterium within the oral microbiome, with significant implications for oral health, disease mechanisms, and microbial interactions, making it a compelling subject for ongoing research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Bacteroidota

Class: Flavobacteriia

Order: Flavobacteriales

Family: Flavobacteriaceae

Genus: Capnocytophaga

Species: Capnocytophaga gingivalis

NCBI ID

1017

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/002/302/415/GCF_002302415.1_ASM230241v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_002302415.1_ASM230241v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The organism Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a gram-negative bacterium that is part of the normal flora of the human oral cavity. It is primarily associated with periodontal disease, where it contributes to the pathogenesis of gingivitis and periodontitis. The presence of C. gingivalis in subgingival plaque has been linked to increased inflammation and tissue destruction, highlighting its role in the progression of these diseases. Clinical implications of C. gingivalis extend to its potential involvement in systemic conditions, as it has been detected in various infections, including endocarditis and bacteremia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In terms of pathogenicity, C. gingivalis exhibits several mechanisms to evade the immune response, including the production of proteolytic enzymes that can degrade host immune factors. This ability to modulate the host's immune response may contribute to its persistence in periodontal tissues and its association with chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, there is growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance among oral bacteria, including C. gingivalis. Resistance to commonly used antibiotics can complicate treatment strategies for periodontal disease and associated infections. While C. gingivalis is primarily viewed as a pathogen in the context of oral health, it is also being studied for its potential role in the development of probiotics aimed at restoring oral microbiota balance. Understanding the interactions of C. gingivalis with other oral microorganisms and the host may lead to novel therapeutic approaches in managing periodontal disease and improving overall oral health.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Capnocytophaga gingivalis is a gram-negative bacterium primarily associated with the oral cavity of humans and other mammals. This microorganism thrives in the complex and dynamic environment of the oral microbiome, where it plays a significant role in the overall health and disease states of the host. It is commonly found in the subgingival plaque, a biofilm that forms on the teeth and gums, particularly in individuals with periodontal disease. In this oral habitat, C. gingivalis interacts with various other microbial species, contributing to the intricate balance of the microbial community. It is known for its ability to adhere to epithelial cells and other bacteria, facilitating the formation of biofilms. This characteristic is crucial for its survival and proliferation in the dental plaque environment. Notably, C. gingivalis is implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, where it can contribute to inflammation and tissue destruction. Its presence is often associated with higher levels of inflammation and can influence the overall microbial composition of the oral cavity. In addition to its role in disease, C. gingivalis may also engage in symbiotic relationships with other oral bacteria, participating in nutrient exchange and metabolic processes that benefit the entire microbial community. This adaptability to the oral environment underscores its ecological significance and highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced oral microbiome for overall health.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Capnocytophaga gingivalis has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. This organism is primarily known for its role in the human oral microbiome, but its enzymatic activities can be harnessed for industrial purposes. In biotechnology, C. gingivalis can be utilized in fermentation processes to produce specific metabolites that may have therapeutic benefits. Its ability to degrade complex carbohydrates makes it a candidate for developing bioprocesses aimed at producing bioactive compounds. In the realm of pharmaceutical development, the enzymes produced by C. gingivalis can be explored for their potential in drug formulation and delivery systems. The organism's unique enzymatic pathways may lead to the discovery of novel compounds that can be used in treating oral diseases or other systemic conditions. Moreover, C. gingivalis has implications in waste management through its capacity to degrade organic matter, which can be beneficial in biodegradation processes. This characteristic can be leveraged to develop microbial solutions for the treatment of organic waste, contributing to more sustainable waste management practices. Overall, while Capnocytophaga gingivalis is primarily recognized for its role in human health, its industrial applications in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and waste management highlight its versatility and potential for further research and application.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 8

LLM predicted phenotypes: 5

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	google/gemma-7b-it	openchat/openchat-7b	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	google/gemini-pro	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	google/gemini-flash-1.5	google/gemini-flash-1.5	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct
Motility	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	false	false	true	true	false	false	false	false	true	true
Gram staining	gram stain negative	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓
Aerophilicity	aerobic	facultatively anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	anaerobic ✗	anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	N/A	N/A	facultatively anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	TRUE	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Biosafety level	biosafety level 2	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓
Health association	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	beta	beta	alpha	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	gamma	gamma	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	N/A	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	coccus	bacillus	bacillus	coccus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	coccus	coccus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus

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