| Description | Streptococcus intermedius is a Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of mesophilic to thermophilic conditions, typically between 25°C to 37°C. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, such as sugars, proteins, and fats. This process occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including fermentation, where S. intermedius converts glucose into lactic acid, and anaerobic respiration, where it utilizes oxygen to generate energy. Microscopically, S. intermedius appears as a spherical or ovoid-shaped cell, often forming chains or pairs. Its Gram staining property allows for visualization of its peptidoglycan layer, which is composed of peptidoglycan and teichoic acids. This characteristic distinguishes it from other bacterial species with similar morphologies. A key aspect of S. intermedius is its ability to inhabit a wide range of body sites, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. In fact, it has been isolated from all possible body sites in all species, making it a ubiquitous and opportunistic microbe. In terms of oxygen preference, S. intermedius is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. This is because its respiratory enzymes are adapted to function in the absence of oxygen, and exposure to oxygen would lead to its rapid demise. Despite its limited oxygen tolerance, S. intermedius has developed a unique ability to produce compounds that inhibit the growth of other microorganisms, allowing it to outcompete and dominate its environment. Additionally, its ability to form biofilms, complex communities of bacteria, allows it to adhere to surfaces and evade host defenses. This remarkable adaptability has made S. intermedius a resilient and successful microbe in a variety of ecological niches. Notably, S. intermedius is a significant pathogen, causing diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis, a severe skin infection, and septicemia, a life-threatening bloodstream infection. Its ability to evade host defenses and produce potent toxins has earned it a reputation as a formidable opponent in the human gut microbiome. |
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