Neisseria lactamica strain NCTC10618

Neisseria lactamica strain NCTC10618 is a Gram-negative, aerobic coccus that typically arranges itself in pairs. As a chemoheterotroph, it derives energy from organic compounds, indicating that it relies on external sources for carbon and energy. This strain is free-living, with a known habitat that spans multiple environments, including associations with humans (Homo sapiens), where it can be found as part of the normal flora. N. lactamica is nonsporulating and lacks mobility, as it does not possess flagella. It thrives optimally at a temperature of 35°C and falls within the mesophilic temperature range. The strain is characterized by having a single replicon, which is notable in its genetic organization. While N. lactamica is often considered a commensal organism in humans, it is also associated with health effects, including the potential to cause disease under certain conditions. This dual role highlights its importance in the human microbiome, where it may contribute to both the maintenance of health and the onset of disease. Overall, the presence of Neisseria lactamica in various habitats, coupled with its interactions with human hosts, suggests that it plays a complex role in microbial ecology, influencing both community dynamics and host health. The strain’s ability to thrive in different environments while being linked to disease underscores the intricate balance within microbial populations.