Atopobium

Atopobium is a genus of Gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria. These bacteria are known to be fastidious and difficult to culture. They are often found in the human oral cavity, the female genital tract, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Atopobium species are characterized by their irregular morphology, often appearing as pleomorphic rods or coccobacilli. They are non-motile and do not form spores. The genus is known for its metabolic capabilities, including the fermentation of carbohydrates.

Several Atopobium species have been implicated in polymicrobial infections, particularly in the context of bacterial vaginosis (BV), where they are found in significantly higher proportions compared to healthy individuals. Atopobium vaginae is particularly associated with BV and is considered a biofilm-forming organism, contributing to the complex microbial communities characteristic of the condition.

The taxonomic classification of Atopobium has been subject to revisions based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. While traditionally grouped within the Coriobacteriaceae family, its precise phylogenetic placement continues to be refined.

Further research is ongoing to fully understand the role of Atopobium species in human health and disease, particularly their interactions within complex microbial communities and their potential contributions to pathogenic processes. Their fastidious nature and the challenges associated with their cultivation continue to present obstacles to comprehensive study.