Capnocytophaga ochracea DSM 7271

Capnocytophaga ochracea (strain ATCC 27872 / DSM 7271 / JCM 12966 / VPI 2845) is a capnophilic (CO2-requiring), gliding Gram-negative bacterium, originally isolated from the human oral cavity. Cells are pigmented and the name "ochracea" is derived from the yellow color exhibited by harvested cell mass. C.ochracea grows as fusiform to rod shaped cells which tend to form clumps and are able to move by gliding. It is known as a capnophilic organism with the ability to grow under anaerobic as well as aerobic conditions (oxygen concentration larger than 15%) C. ochracea is most often found in association with animal and human hosts. In general, it is a normal inhabitant of the human mouth and other non-oral sites. C. ochracea is associated with juvenile and adult periodontitis and can also be an opportunistic pathogens. It may cause severe infections in immunocompromised as well as in immunocompetent patients. Among these are endocarditis, endometritis, osteomyelitis, abscesses, peritonitis, and keratitis. C. ochracea is usually susceptible to a number of antibiotics, however, resistance is increasing in this species. Furthermore, C. ochracea is known to possess an immunosuppressive factor. All strains of C. ochracea are capable of fermenting glucose, sucrose, maltose and mannose, whereas most strains ferment amygdalin, fructose, galactose, lactose and raffinose. The optimal growth temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Nitrate is reduced to nitrite, and dextran, glycogen, starch and aesculin are hydrolysed by most strains. Indole is not produced. Acetic and succinic acid are the main metabolic end products of fermentation. (Adapted from PMID 21304645). (HAMAP: CAPOD)