What is the Difference Between Microaerophilic and Capnophilic?

The main difference between microaerophilic and capnophilic microorganisms lies in their requirements for oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in their environment for optimal growth.

• Microaerophilic microorganisms require a reduced oxygen concentration, typically between 2-10% O2, which is lower than the atmospheric oxygen concentration of about 21%. Many microaerophiles are also capnophiles, requiring an elevated concentration of carbon dioxide, such as Campylobacter species. Examples of microaerophilic bacteria include Campylobacter, Helicobacter pylori, and some Lactobacillus species.
• Capnophilic microorganisms thrive in the presence of high concentrations of carbon dioxide, typically between 5-10% CO2 and approximately 15% O2. Some capnophilic bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, also need about 15% oxygen for their metabolism. Examples of capnophilic bacteria include Campylobacter species, Aggregatibacter spp., and Megasphaera succiniciproducens.

In summary, microaerophilic microorganisms grow under minimum levels of oxygen, while capnophilic microorganisms grow under high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Some capnophilic bacteria are also microaerophiles, as they need both lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels for optimal growth.

Comparative Table: Microaerophilic vs Capnophilic

Here is a table comparing the differences between microaerophilic and capnophilic microorganisms:

Microaerophilic microorganisms require low levels of oxygen to survive, while capnophilic organisms require high levels of carbon dioxide. Some microaerophilic microbes are also capnophilic, but they are not the same, and not all microaerophilic or capnophilic organisms have the same requirements.