Veillonella parvula
Veillonella parvula: An Enigmatic Microbe with Diverse Roles
Description
Veillonella parvula is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that is commonly found in the human oral microbiome. It is a small, rod-shaped bacterium that ferments lactate and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as propionate and butyrate.
Veillonella parvula is a member of the Firmicutes phylum and the Veillonellaceae family. It is closely related to other Veillonella species, such as V. atypica and V. denticariosi.
Associated Diseases
Veillonella parvula has been implicated in several human diseases, including:
- Dental caries: V. parvula produces acids that can erode tooth enamel and contribute to the formation of cavities.
- Periodontal disease: V. parvula can release harmful enzymes that damage gum tissue and lead to periodontal disease.
- Oral cancer: Some studies have suggested that V. parvula may increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): V. parvula has been found in higher concentrations in the gut microbiome of individuals with IBD, and it may play a role in the development and progression of the disease.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Recent research has linked V. parvula to the development of HCC, a type of liver cancer.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 20-30% of the human oral microbiome is composed of Veillonella species, including V. parvula.
