Listeria weihenstephanensis str. WS 4560 ( = DSM 24698)

Listeria weihenstephanensis str. WS 4560 (= DSM 24698) is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits anaerobic growth and is classified as non-spore-forming. This organism demonstrates optimal growth at a temperature of 32.0°C, suggesting a preference for mesophilic environments, which may be relevant for its survival and proliferation in various ecological niches. As a member of the Listeria genus, L. weihenstephanensis is of particular interest due to its physiological and biochemical characteristics that differentiate it from closely related species. The absence of sporulation indicates that this strain may rely on other survival strategies to endure unfavorable conditions, such as forming biofilms or utilizing alternative metabolic pathways suited for anaerobic environments. The ability of L. weihenstephanensis to thrive under anaerobic conditions could provide insights into its potential roles in specific ecological contexts, including the breakdown of organic materials in low-oxygen environments. This trait may facilitate its involvement in nutrient cycling within anaerobic ecosystems, such as sediments or the gastrointestinal tracts of various hosts. Understanding these characteristics can aid in further investigations into the ecological significance and metabolic capabilities of this bacterium within its natural habitats.