Phocaeicola coprophilus DSM 18228 = JCM 13818 strain DSM 18228

Phocaeicola coprophilus DSM 18228, also known by its strain designation JCM 13818, is a Gram-negative, anaerobic, chemoheterotrophic bacterium. This organism exhibits a mesophilic temperature range, indicating its optimal growth occurs in moderate temperature conditions typical of many environments. P. coprophilus is non-motile, which is consistent with its ecological niche, as it does not require mobility to thrive in its habitat. This bacterium has a single replicon, suggesting a relatively simple genomic organization. P. coprophilus is primarily associated with Homo sapiens, indicating it may inhabit the human gut or other related environments. Its anaerobic nature reflects its adaptation to oxygen-limited conditions, which is common in the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of flagella, despite its non-motility, may serve various functions, possibly in sensing environmental cues rather than in locomotion. As a chemoheterotroph, P. coprophilus relies on organic compounds for energy, further indicating its role in the decomposition of organic matter. Ecologically, P. coprophilus contributes to the microbial diversity of the human gut microbiome, playing a potential role in the breakdown of dietary components and the maintenance of gut health. The study of this bacterium can provide insights into the interactions within the gut ecosystem, revealing its significance in human health and disease dynamics. Understanding its metabolic pathways and ecological interactions may also shed light on the broader implications of gut microbiota composition on human physiology.