| Description | Sutterella wadsworthensis is a Gram-negative, curved rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in temperatures ranging from mesophilic to thermophilic, making it a facultative thermophile. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, using a combination of oxidative phosphorylation and substrate-level phosphorylation pathways to produce ATP. This microbe is found in all body sites, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and genitourinary tract, across all possible species, making it a ubiquitous inhabitant of the human microbiome. S. wadsworthensis is an obligate aerobe, requiring the presence of oxygen to survive and grow. In fact, it is sensitive to low oxygen levels and is inhibited by anaerobic conditions. This suggests that it plays a crucial role in aerobic environments, such as the oral cavity and respiratory tract, where it can be found in the biofilm of the tongue and on the surfaces of teeth and gums. Furthermore, S. wadsworthensis has been linked to various diseases and disorders, including periodontitis, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal diseases. Its ability to adhere to host cells and produce extracellular polymers makes it a strong candidate for playing a key role in the development of biofilms, which can contribute to the persistence and severity of these diseases. In addition to its clinical significance, S. wadsworthensis has also been studied for its potential applications in biotechnology. Its ability to degrade complex organic compounds and produce bioactive compounds makes it a promising candidate for the development of biocatalysts and biosensors. In conclusion, S. wadsworthensis is a versatile microbe that plays a vital role in the human microbiome, from its ability to degrade organic compounds to its potential involvement in diseases and disorders. Its obligate aerobic nature and sensitivity to anaerobic conditions make it an important player in aerobic environments, and its biotechnological applications are vast and promising. |
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