What type of bacteria requires oxygen for survival?

Aerobic bacteria are those that require oxygen to survive and grow. These bacteria utilize oxygen for cellular respiration, which allows them to convert nutrients into energy efficiently. This need for oxygen distinguishes them from other types of bacteria, such as anaerobic bacteria, which can survive without oxygen and may even find oxygen to be toxic.

Pathogenic bacteria can be either aerobic or anaerobic, depending on their specific requirements for survival and growth. Similarly, facultative bacteria are capable of adapting to both aerobic and anaerobic environments; they can thrive in the presence of oxygen but also have the ability to survive without it by utilizing fermentation processes or other metabolic pathways.

Understanding the characteristics of aerobic bacteria is crucial in infection control and sterile processing environments, as these organisms can be relevant in various healthcare settings and impact patient safety and outcomes.