Veillonella is a bacterial genus that causes infections in humans. Its spelling is unique and can be difficult to understand without phonetic transcription. The word "Veillonella" is pronounced vɛiˈjɔnɛla, with the stress on the second syllable. The first two letters "Ve" are pronounced as "vay," and the "o" in the third syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound. The double "l" in the fourth syllable is pronounced with a slight pause in between. The final syllable "ella" is pronounced as "ella," with the stress on the second syllable.
Veillonella is a genus of gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacteria that are characterized as small, non-motile, cocci-shaped microorganisms. This genus belongs to the family Veillonellaceae, which also includes other well-known genera such as Acidaminococcus and Megasphaera. Veillonella species are commonly found as normal inhabitants of the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract of humans and several other animals.
These bacteria are typically commensal in nature, meaning they form a symbiotic relationship with their host, where both organisms benefit from coexistence. Veillonella species obtain their nutrients by fermenting lactate, which is produced by other bacteria through glycolysis. They possess metabolic characteristics that allow them to effectively metabolize this lactate and convert it into metabolic byproducts such as propionate and acetate.
Veillonella species are often considered opportunistic pathogens, as they can cause infection and disease in immunocompromised individuals or in the presence of particular host conditions. In some cases, they have been associated with infections, such as lung abscesses, endocarditis, and bacteremia.
Identification of Veillonella species can be achieved through various laboratory techniques, including biochemical tests and DNA sequencing. Furthermore, the advancement of molecular techniques has facilitated the discovery of novel species within this genus, leading to deeper insights into their biology and pathogenicity.
The word "Veillonella" is derived from the Latin word "veilla", which means "little veil". The suffix "-ella" is often used in taxonomical nomenclature to denote a small size or an inferior or secondary nature. Therefore, "Veillonella" can be translated to "little Veillon", possibly in reference to the person who first described or discovered the organism. Veillonella is a genus of bacteria that was named after an early French bacteriologist, Adrien Veillon.