| Description | Citrobacter rodentium is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a mesophilic temperature range, typically between 20-40°C. As a heterotroph, C. rodentium acquires energy by breaking down organic compounds, utilizing a combination of glycolysis and the citric acid cycle for energy production. This bacterium is found in various body sites across all species of rodents, as well as in other animals and humans, often colonizing the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract. The Gram-staining characteristics of C. rodentium reveal a pink to purple color, indicating a negative reaction with Gram's stain. The rod-shaped morphology allows for efficient cell division and adaptation to varying environments. The mesophilic temperature range accommodates the bacterium's metabolic processes, which are optimized for optimal growth and energy production. As an obligate aerobe, C. rodentium requires oxygen to survive and thrive. The presence of oxygen facilitates the bacterium's energy production, as it is essential for the proper functioning of cellular respiration. In the absence of oxygen, C. rodentium is unable to produce energy and may enter a dormant state or die off. Citrobacter rodentium has been found to cause severe diarrhea and colitis in laboratory mice, making it a valuable model organism for the study of inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, the bacterium's ability to colonize the intestinal tract makes it a potential pathogen in human diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and abscesses. |
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