Capnophiles are microorganisms that thrive in the presence of high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2). Capnophilic bacteria typically require increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) for optimal growth. This blog post discusses various Examples of Capnophilic Bacteria.
1) Campylobacter jejuni
Campylobacter jejuni is a gram-negative, rod-shaped, non–spore-forming bacteria in the family Campylobacteriaceae. This bacterium that is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. It is a capnophilic bacterium, meaning that it grows best in an atmosphere with high levels of carbon dioxide. C. jejuni is also a microaerophile, meaning that it grows best in an atmosphere with low levels of oxygen.
2) Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that is found in the stomach of humans. It is a capnophilic bacterium, require increased CO2 concentrations (5-10%) for optimal growth. H. pylori is also a microaerophile, meaning that it grows best in an atmosphere with low levels of oxygen. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach and can cause diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and increase the risk of gastric cancer.
3) Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is considered a capnophile because it requires increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) for optimal growth and survival. The bacterium thrives in an environment with elevated CO2 concentrations, typically ranging from 3-10%. This capnophilic nature of N. gonorrhoeae is believed to be associated with its adaptation to the specific microenvironments in the human body where it causes infections, such as the genital tract. The elevated CO2 levels mimic the conditions present in these anatomical sites, supporting the growth and colonization of N. gonorrhoeae. N. gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.
4) Mannheimia succiniciproducens
Mannheimia succiniciproducens is a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, and capnophilic bacterium. This bacterium is commonly found in the rumen of cattle and other ruminant animals. The rumen is the first compartment of the stomach in these animals. The capnophilic nature of M. succiniciproducens is important for its survival in the rumen. The rumen is a very acidic environment, with a pH of 5-6. Most bacteria cannot survive in such an acidic environment, but M. succiniciproducens is able to do so because of its capnophilic properties. M. succiniciproducens is a rumen bacterium that contributes to fermentation, volatile fatty acid production, and the production of succinic acid in the digestive system of cattle.
5) Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus influenzae is capnophilic, which means it grows best in an atmosphere with high levels of carbon dioxide. H. influenzae is a Gram-negative, coccobacillus-shaped bacterium that can cause a variety of infections in humans including: meningitis, pneumonia septicemia ear infections Eye infections
6) Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive, spherical capnophilic bacterium, which means it grows best in an atmosphere with high levels of carbon dioxide. This bacteria can cause a variety of infections in humans, including: Pneumonia, Meningitis, Septicemia, Ear infections, Sinus infections.