| Description | Yokenella regensburgei is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives best at moderate temperatures, is categorized as a heterotroph, and is classified as a facultative anaerobe. This organism is primarily found in the human gastrointestinal tract, specifically in the intestines, but has also been isolated from various other body sites, including the bloodstream, respiratory tract, and even in specimens from the oral cavity. As a gram-negative bacterium, Yokenella regensburgei possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane that contains lipopolysaccharides. This structural feature contributes to its resilience and can influence its pathogenic potential. The rod shape of the bacterium is characteristic of many enteric bacteria, facilitating motility and colonization within the intestines. Yokenella regensburgei's heterotrophic nature indicates that it relies on organic compounds for its energy and growth, sourcing nutrients from the host’s digestive processes. The classification as a facultative anaerobe means it can adapt to both aerobic and anaerobic environments, allowing it to thrive in the varying oxygen levels within the intestines and other body sites. This versatility is advantageous in the competitive landscape of the human microbiome. Besides its role in the gut microbiota, Yokenella regensburgei has been implicated in various clinical conditions, including opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. It can also demonstrate resistance to several antibiotics, prompting ongoing research into its impact on human health. Emerging studies are focused on understanding its interactions with other gut microbes and its potential role in gastrointestinal diseases. Its ability to colonize diverse environments and its involvement in human health highlight the complexity and significance of this bacterium in the microbial world. |
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