| Description | Klebsiella oxytoca is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives at mesophilic temperatures, categorizing it as a facultative anaerobe and a chemoheterotroph. This organism is commonly found in various body sites, including the intestinal tract, respiratory system, and in some cases, the urinary tract of humans and animals.As a Gram-negative bacterium, K. oxytoca possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which can provoke strong immune responses in hosts. Its rod shape contributes to its motility and ability to colonize various niches. Being mesophilic, K. oxytoca prefers moderate temperatures typically found in the human body, allowing it to thrive in warm environments. As a facultative anaerobe, it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, providing it with a versatile metabolic capacity to exploit different environmental conditions.As a chemoheterotroph, K. oxytoca relies on organic compounds for its energy and carbon needs, which it derives from its host or the environment, making it a critical player in various ecosystems and a significant opportunistic pathogen.K. oxytoca holds clinical significance, particularly in hospital settings, where it can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its role in the production of certain enzymes, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), which confer resistance to multiple antibiotics, complicating treatment options. These characteristics make K. oxytoca both a vital component of the human microbiome and a formidable pathogen, underscoring the importance of understanding its biology for better health outcomes. |
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