| Description | Escherichia fergusonii is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 25-37°C, placing it in the mesophilic temperature preference category. As a chemoheterotroph, it utilizes organic compounds as its energy source, obtaining its energy through the breakdown of complex molecules. E. fergusonii produces energy through the process of respiration, specifically aerobic respiration, utilizing oxygen as its final electron acceptor. Gram-staining reveals E. fergusonii's characteristic gram-negative cell wall, consisting of an outer membrane and a lipopolysaccharide layer. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to thrive in various environments, from aquatic ecosystems to human gut microbiomes. The microbe can be found inhabiting a range of body sites, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. E. fergusonii is an obligate aerobe, requiring the presence of oxygen to survive and grow. It is also sensitive to changes in oxygen levels, making it intolerant of anaerobic conditions. Despite this, it can tolerate the presence of oxygen in the environment, indicating an aerobic lifestyle. One of the most pertinent aspects of E. fergusonii is its ability to cause urinary tract infections, particularly in women. Its affinity for the urinary tract is thought to be related to its ability to adhere to uroepithelial cells and produce virulence factors that enhance its pathogenic potential. In addition to its human pathogenic role, E. fergusonii has been implicated in various environmental roles, including the degradation of organic pollutants and the cycling of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. Its versatility and adaptability have made it a valuable model organism for studying microbial ecology and evolution. |
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