What type of organism is Pasteurella multocida classified as?

Pasteurella multocida is accurately classified as a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe. This classification is based on several characteristics of the organism. First, it has a Gram-negative cell wall structure that contains a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane, which is typical of Gram-negative bacteria. The Gram stain results in a pink coloration, indicating the presence of this cell wall structure.

Additionally, Pasteurella multocida is termed 'facultative anaerobic.' This means that it can grow in both the presence and the absence of oxygen, though it typically prefers oxygen-rich environments for optimal growth. The nature of its metabolism allows it to adapt based on the environmental conditions available.

This organism is often associated with animals, particularly as a commensal organism in the respiratory tract of various animals and can lead to infections in humans through bites or scratches. Understanding this classification helps in identifying the organism in clinical specimens and applying appropriate microbiological techniques for its isolation and characterization.