| Description | Bacteroides uniformis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a mesophilic temperature range, preferentially growing between 25°C to 37°C. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains energy by breaking down organic compounds and employing a respiratory metabolism. This bacterium produces energy through the process of fermentation, utilizing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids as a source of carbon and energy. In terms of its Gram stain, B. uniformis exhibits a characteristic Gram-negative reaction, meaning that it has a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to adapt to a wide range of environments, from the human gut to soil and aquatic ecosystems. B. uniformis is found in all body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory and urinary tracts, and skin, where it plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and the maintenance of ecosystem balance. As an obligate anaerobe, B. uniformis requires a reducing environment to survive and grow, making it sensitive to oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, it can flourish, using alternative electron acceptors such as nitrate, sulfate, and iron(III) as a means of energy production. Furthermore, B. uniformis has been implicated in various human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, and peritonitis. However, its beneficial effects cannot be overstated, as it also participates in the degradation of toxic compounds and the production of vitamins such as vitamin K and biotin. In addition to its ecological significance, B. uniformis has also been explored as a potential probiotic agent, exhibiting immunomodulatory properties and the ability to manipulate the gut microbiome. Its ability to survive and thrive in the human gut, despite the presence of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, has also gained attention for its potential role in antibiotic resistance. |
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