| Description | Parabacteroides distasonis, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, is a member of the family Bacteroidaceae. It has a mesophilic temperature preference, thriving in environments between 25-40°C. As a heterotroph, P. distasonis acquires its energy by breaking down organic compounds, using a variety of metabolic pathways to produce ATP. Specifically, this microbe is a facultative anaerobe, capable of surviving in the presence of oxygen, but also able to thrive without it. P. distasonis is a non-motile bacterium, with a slender, curved or slightly bent rod shape. It can be found in various body sites, including the human gut, oral cavity, skin, and respiratory and genital tracts, in all possible species. In terms of oxygen preference, P. distasonis is a facultative anaerobe, which means it can grow in the presence of oxygen, but can also tolerate low oxygen levels or anaerobic conditions. This tolerance allows it to adapt to a wide range of environments and survive in areas with varying levels of oxygen. One of the most notable characteristics of P. distasonis is its ability to produce a variety of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, which are produced through the fermentation of complex carbohydrates. These metabolites play an important role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, as they serve as energy sources for other microorganisms. Furthermore, studies have shown that P. distasonis is capable of modulating the immune response, influencing the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, it has been linked to the development of certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. In conclusion, P. distasonis is a versatile, opportunistic microbe that has adapted to thrive in a wide range of environments. Its ability to produce metabolites, modulate the immune response, and survive in varying oxygen levels makes it an important component of the human microbiota. |
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