| Description | Citrobacter freundii is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that prefers mesophilic temperatures, is classified as a chemoheterotroph, and functions as a facultative anaerobe. This microbe is found in a variety of environments, including human and animal intestines, soil, and water, where it thrives as part of the normal gut flora.As a gram-negative organism, C. freundii possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, a characteristic that contributes to its pathogenic potential in certain situations. Its rod shape allows for efficient motility, often attributed to flagella, facilitating its survival in diverse environments. As a mesophilic organism, C. freundii prefers moderate temperatures, typically flourishing between 30°C and 37°C, which aligns well with the average temperatures found in mammalian bodies.C. freundii's classification as a chemoheterotroph indicates that it acquires energy and carbon from organic compounds, which it metabolizes through a range of biochemical pathways. This versatility allows it to thrive in varied environments, contributing to its role in nutrient cycling. Being a facultative anaerobe, C. freundii can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This adaptability enables it to survive in oxygen-rich environments as well as in the oxygen-limited conditions found within the gastrointestinal tract. Beyond its role as a commensal organism, C. freundii can also be an opportunistic pathogen, implicated in urinary tract infections, septicemia, and gastroenteritis. It is of particular concern in clinical settings due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics, providing a significant challenge in treatment. Additionally, its ability to degrade a variety of substrates makes it an attractive candidate for biotechnological applications, particularly in waste treatment processes and bioremediation efforts. |
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