| Description | Holdemanella biformis is a thermophilic, chemotrophic microbe that thrives in environments with high temperatures, between 45-65°C. As a chemotroph, it derives its energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds, specifically from the reduction of ferric iron. This microbe produces energy through anaerobic respiration, utilizing the electron transport chain to generate ATP. H. biformis is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, typically found in a variety of habitats, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. It is a versatile microbe, tolerating a wide range of body sites and species, from humans to plants and animals. As a thermophilic microbe, H. biformis is adapted to live in environments with high temperatures, which allows it to outcompete other microorganisms that cannot survive in these conditions. Its ability to thrive in such environments makes it an important player in the degradation of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. As a chemotroph, H. biformis is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires a reducing environment to survive and cannot tolerate oxygen. Its inability to tolerate oxygen explains why it is typically found in anaerobic environments, such as soil and the gastrointestinal tract, where oxygen levels are low. In terms of its clinical significance, H. biformis has been isolated from human clinical specimens, including blood cultures and wounds, where it is often associated with polymicrobial infections. While it is not typically considered a pathogen, its presence in clinical settings has been linked to the development of antibiotic resistance and the treatment of chronic infections. Despite its clinical relevance, H. biformis remains understudied and its genetic makeup and metabolic pathways are not yet fully understood. Further research into this microbe could provide valuable insights into its ecological and physiological adaptations, as well as its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. |
|---|
