| Description | Yersinia frederiksenii is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium classified as a mesophile, typically thriving at moderate temperatures, and is categorized as a chemoheterotroph due to its reliance on organic compounds for energy and carbon. This versatile microbe is commonly found in various body sites across different species, including the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals, particularly pigs and humans, as well as in aquatic environments. As a gram-negative organism, Y. frederiksenii possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane rich in lipopolysaccharides, which contributes to its pathogenicity and ability to evade the host's immune system. The rod shape facilitates motility, allowing the bacterium to navigate through viscous environments, such as the intestinal lumen. As a mesophile, Y. frederiksenii is optimally active at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 45°C, making it well-suited to survive and proliferate in warm-blooded hosts. Y. frederiksenii is classified as a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This adaptability is crucial for its survival in the diverse environments within the gastrointestinal tract, where oxygen levels may vary. As a chemoheterotroph, it metabolizes a range of organic substrates, allowing it to thrive in nutrient-rich environments typical of animal guts. In addition to its presence in the gastrointestinal microbiota, Yersinia frederiksenii can occasionally be implicated in human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, leading to symptoms such as gastroenteritis. This organism is also of significance in veterinary microbiology, as it can be isolated from domestic animals, underscoring its role in zoonotic potential. Research into Y. frederiksenii continues to explore its ecological roles and interactions within microbial communities. |
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