Morganella morganii strain NCTC235

Morganella morganii strain NCTC235 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium classified as a facultative anaerobe. This organism thrives in natural environments, particularly in sewage, where it can exploit various substrates for growth. It is mesophilic, indicating that it prefers moderate temperature conditions, which aligns well with typical environmental temperatures found in its habitats. This strain has a single replicon and has been identified as a potential pathogen in humans. It is associated with a variety of health complications, including intra-abdominal infections, wound infections, endophthalmitis, sepsis, urinary tract infections, cellulitis, post-operative wound infections, infectious ocular disease, summer diarrhea, hepatobiliary infections, abscesses, and purple urine bag syndrome. The range of infections it can cause highlights its significant clinical relevance. The presence of Morganella morganii in sewage and its ability to infect human hosts suggest a dual role in the ecosystem. On one hand, it is part of the natural microbial community in sewage, contributing to the breakdown of organic materials. On the other hand, its pathogenic potential underscores the importance of monitoring and managing sanitation and hygiene to prevent transmission to humans. Understanding the ecological interactions of this bacterium may provide insights into controlling its spread and mitigating its health impacts.