| Description | Laribacter hongkongensis is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives optimally at a temperature of around 37°C, categorizing it as a mesophile. This microbe is classified as a chemoheterotroph, deriving its energy from organic compounds, and it is a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to survive both in the presence and absence of oxygen.Originally isolated from the intestines of fish, Laribacter hongkongensis has since been found in a variety of environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems, highlighting its adaptability. The gram-negative characteristic indicates that it has a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane rich in lipopolysaccharides, which contributes to its virulence and resistance to certain antibiotics. Its rod shape allows for motility, facilitating its movement through aquatic environments.As a mesophilic organism, Laribacter hongkongensis is well-suited to moderate temperatures, making it prevalent in warm-blooded animals and waters that are temperate. The classification as a chemoheterotroph means that it fundamentally relies on organic matter for energy and carbon, playing a significant role in the decomposition processes within its ecological niches. Its facultative anaerobic nature permits it to switch metabolic pathways depending on oxygen availability, which enhances its survival in fluctuating environments. Laribacter hongkongensis has been implicated in human gastrointestinal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, and it has raised concerns about emerging pathogens in aquatic settings. Its presence in diverse environments underscores the complexity of microbial life and its potential impact on both ecosystem health and human activity. |
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