| Description | Leptotrichia shahii is a Gram-negative, fusiform-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorized as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract, across different species. As an obligate anaerobe, L. shahii requires a strict anaerobic environment to survive, which is reflected in its inability to grow in the presence of oxygen. The Gram-negative characteristic of L. shahii is due to the composition of its cell wall, which consists of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. Its fusiform shape, resembling a spindle, allows it to thrive in environments with limited space. As a chemoheterotroph, L. shahii relies on organic compounds for energy and carbon sources, breaking down complex molecules to sustain its growth. L. shahii's presence in various body sites is attributed to its ability to adhere to and colonize epithelial surfaces, particularly in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Its mesophilic temperature preference enables it to thrive in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 45°C, making it well-suited to the human body's temperature range. The obligate anaerobic nature of L. shahii necessitates its isolation and cultivation in strict anaerobic conditions, which has led to a deeper understanding of its role in human health and disease. Notably, research has implicated L. shahii in periodontal disease and other oral infections, highlighting the importance of this microbe in the human microbiome. |
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