Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697 = JCM 1222 = DSM 20088

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697 = JCM 1222 = DSM 20088 is a mesophilic, heterotrophic microbe that thrives in a wide range of temperatures, typically between 10°C and 45°C, making it a opportunistic inhabitant of various environments. As a heterotroph, it relies on organic compounds as its primary energy source, utilizing a variety of metabolic pathways to generate energy. This microbe is a Gram-positive, non-motile rod-shaped bacterium, typically measuring between 0.5-1.5 μm in width and 1-5 μm in length. Its cells typically inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of infants, where they play a crucial role in the development of the infant's gut microbiome. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697 is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires a low-oxygen environment to survive and thrive. In fact, it is unable to grow in the presence of oxygen and is extremely sensitive to even small amounts of oxygen. This adaptability to low-oxygen environments is thought to be an important factor in its ability to colonize the infant gut, where oxygen levels are typically low. This microbe has also been shown to play a vital role in the human gut microbiome, particularly during the early stages of life. Research has highlighted its importance in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, production of short-chain fatty acids, and regulation of the immune system. In addition, studies have demonstrated its ability to produce antimicrobial peptides and other compounds that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697 has been implicated in various diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening condition that affects premature infants. The development of probiotic therapies targeting this microbe has shown promise in mitigating the severity of this condition. Overall, the unique characteristics and functional adaptations of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697 make it an important component of the human gut microbiome, with significant implications for human health and disease.