Shigella dysenteriae strain NCTC11868

Shigella dysenteriae strain NCTC11868 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is classified as a chemoorganotroph, utilizing organic compounds for energy. This strain is a facultative anaerobe, indicating its ability to survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. It lacks mobility, as it does not possess flagella, and typically exists in pairs or as singles. The optimal growth temperature for S. dysenteriae NCTC11868 is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. This strain has a single replicon and is characterized by having two membranes, a typical feature of Gram-negative bacteria. S. dysenteriae is primarily associated with human hosts, specifically Homo sapiens, as well as other metazoans and primates. It is known for its pathogenic effects, causing diseases such as shigellosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), bacillary dysentery, and epidemic Shigella dysentery. Ecologically, Shigella dysenteriae NCTC11868 is free-living, yet it has a significant impact on human health, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. Its ability to thrive in human hosts and cause severe gastrointestinal illness underscores the importance of understanding its biology and ecology for public health measures aimed at controlling shigellosis outbreaks.