Anaerofustis stercorihominis DSM 17244

Anaerofustis stercorihominis DSM 17244 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium classified as an obligate anaerobe and is categorized as a chemoheterotroph. This microbe thrives in a mesophilic temperature range, typically preferring temperatures between 30°C and 37°C. Anaerofustis stercorihominis has been isolated from human feces, indicating that its primary habitat is within the gastrointestinal tract of humans, where it plays a role in the complex microbiome. As a Gram-negative organism, Anaerofustis stercorihominis possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. This structure contributes to its resistance against certain antibiotics and influences its interaction with the host's immune system. Its rod shape allows for mobility and colonization in the intestines, where nutrient-rich conditions are available for its growth. Being an obligate anaerobe, Anaerofustis stercorihominis cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, which makes its ecological niche limited to oxygen-free environments typically found within the digestive tract. As a chemoheterotroph, it derives its energy and carbon from organic compounds rather than synthesizing them from inorganic sources, relying on the fermentation of carbohydrates and proteins. The metabolic activities of Anaerofustis stercorihominis are significant for maintaining gut health, as they participate in the fermentation processes that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for colonic health. These metabolites contribute to gut homeostasis and may inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Recent studies have suggested that shifts in the abundance of such gut microbes could be linked to various gastrointestinal disorders, highlighting the importance of Anaerofustis stercorihominis in microbiome research and therapeutic applications.