| Description | Streptococcus infantarius is a Gram-positive, spherical-shaped bacterium that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorized as a chemoheterotroph, which relies on organic compounds for energy production, and can be found in various body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and genitourinary tract, in humans and animals, and is a facultative anaerobe, capable of surviving in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. As a Gram-positive bacterium, S. infantarius has a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, providing resistance to environmental stresses. Its spherical shape, also known as cocci, allows for efficient nutrient uptake and cell division. The mesophilic temperature preference of S. infantarius enables it to grow optimally at temperatures between 20-45°C, making it well-suited to the human body's temperature range. As a chemoheterotroph, S. infantarius relies on the breakdown of organic compounds, such as sugars and amino acids, to produce energy through fermentation. This energy production mechanism allows S. infantarius to thrive in environments with limited oxygen availability. The ability of S. infantarius to inhabit various body sites is a testament to its adaptability and ability to form symbiotic relationships with its host. As a facultative anaerobe, S. infantarius can adjust its metabolic processes to survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, making it a resilient and versatile microbe. S. infantarius has been implicated in various diseases, including infections of the respiratory and genitourinary tracts, and its presence has also been detected in food products, such as dairy and meat, highlighting its widespread distribution and potential impact on human health and industry. |
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