Wardsiella

Wardsiella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Neisseriaceae. These bacteria are typically aerobic and coccobacillary or pleomorphic in shape. They are commonly found as commensals in the human respiratory tract, particularly the nasopharynx.

The genus Wardsiella was first described by Deighton and cole in 1972. Several species have been identified within the genus, though their pathogenicity is generally considered low. Wardsiella species are not typically associated with significant human diseases, and their role in the microbiome is still an area of ongoing research.

Cultivation of Wardsiella typically involves standard bacteriological media, and they are often observed in mixed cultures. Their identification relies on a combination of morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics. Molecular methods, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, are increasingly used for accurate species identification and phylogenetic analysis within the Neisseriaceae family. While Wardsiella itself is not a prominent pathogen, understanding its presence and interactions within the human microbiome is part of broader efforts to elucidate the complex dynamics of microbial communities in health and disease. Research into Wardsiella continues to explore its ecological niche and potential interactions with other microorganisms and the host.