| Description | Clostridium bartlettii is a Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 25-37°C, categorizing it as a mesophile. Its metabolism is heterotrophic, meaning it requires an external energy source to sustain itself. Specifically, C. bartlettii is a chemoheterotroph, utilizing organic compounds as a source of energy and carbon. This is achieved through anaerobic respiration, where it ferments carbohydrates to produce lactate, acetate, and ethanol. In terms of its energy production, C. bartlettii is capable of producing ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation and fermentation. The bacterium's cell shape is typically irregular, with a tendency to form short, curved rods or coccal forms. C. bartlettii can be found in various body sites, including the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract, in all possible species. Due to its inability to grow in the presence of oxygen, it is strictly an anaerobe, requiring an oxygen-free environment to survive. This strict anaerobicism is a result of its lack of functional oxidases and the presence of oxygen-scavenging enzymes. One of the most distinctive characteristics of C. bartlettii is its unique ability to produce a range of toxins, including a potent neurotoxin that can cause severe neurological symptoms. Additionally, C. bartlettii has been implicated in the development of certain diseases, such as bacteremia and endocarditis. Furthermore, it has been found to be resistant to several antibiotics, making treatment a significant challenge. |
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