Bacteroides helcogenes P 36-108

Bacteroides helcogenes P 36-108 is a mesophilic, chemoheterotrophic, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is obligately anaerobic and primarily found in the human gut and various animal intestines. This microbe thrives optimally at moderate temperatures, typically between 20-45°C, which categorizes it as a mesophile. Its chemoheterotrophic metabolism indicates that it derives its energy from organic compounds, using them as both carbon and energy sources, which is critical for its survival in nutrient-rich environments such as the intestines. As a gram-negative bacterium, Bacteroides helcogenes P 36-108 possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane, which contributes to its resilience in hostile environments within the gut. The rod shape facilitates motility and colonization within the complex gut microbiome, allowing it to effectively navigate through the viscous intestinal contents. Primarily residing in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and various animals, Bacteroides helcogenes plays a significant role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, aiding in the breakdown of dietary fibers and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for host health. Its obligate anaerobic nature means it thrives in environments devoid of oxygen, making it well-suited to the oxygen-poor conditions of the gut. This microbe has been studied for its potential role in health and disease, particularly in relation to gut microbiota balance and its influence on metabolic processes. It may contribute to immune system modulation and has implications in understanding conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other metabolic disorders. Its adaptability and functional capacity within the gut microbiome underscore its significance in both ecological and clinical contexts.