Serratia marcescens strain O1-16

Serratia marcescens strain O1-16 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits mobility due to the presence of flagella. This organism is classified as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. As a chemoheterotroph, it utilizes organic compounds as its energy source, which is essential for its growth in diverse habitats. The optimal growth temperature for Serratia marcescens strain O1-16 is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. This characteristic aligns with its association with various hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Viridiplantae (plants), and multiple insect species such as Apis mellifera (honeybees) and Anopheles stephensi (a malaria vector). Serratia marcescens is known to be pathogenic in humans, contributing to nosocomial infections and conditions such as early onset neonatal sepsis. Additionally, it is implicated in white pox disease, affecting certain marine organisms. Importantly, this strain does not undergo sporulation, which distinguishes it from other bacterial species that utilize spores for survival in adverse conditions. The ability of Serratia marcescens strain O1-16 to inhabit multiple environments and its association with various hosts highlight its ecological versatility and potential roles in both health and disease. Its pathogenicity in humans emphasizes the importance of understanding this bacterium within clinical microbiology, particularly in hospital settings where infections can arise.