| Description | Listeria innocua is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 25-40°C, categorizing it as a mesophile. As a facultative chemoheterotroph, L. innocua obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, for which it requires oxygen. The bacterium produces ATP through a process called substrate-level phosphorylation, where energy from substrate molecules is used to generate ATP. Listeria innocua exhibits a typical rod shape, with a length ranging from 0.5-2.0 μm and a width of 0.3-0.5 μm. It is a non-motile bacterium, which means it does not possess flagella or other motility structures. Listeria innocua is capable of colonizing various body sites, including the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract, making it a common inhabitant of the human microbiome. As a facultative anaerobe, L. innocua can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, although it grows faster in the presence of oxygen. This adaptability allows the bacterium to thrive in a wide range of ecological niches. In addition to its physiological characteristics, L. innocua has also been found to be an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. Despite its ability to cause disease, L. innocua is generally considered a harmless commensal, playing a role in the balance of the gut microbiome. In recent years, research has focused on the potential applications of L. innocua as a probiotic agent, exploring its ability to modulate the immune system and produce antimicrobial compounds. The bacterium's unique properties have also sparked interest in its potential use as a live vector for vaccine development. |
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