| Description | Prevotella marshii is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorized as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites including the oral cavity, gut, and skin of humans and animals. As an obligate anaerobe, it requires the absence of oxygen to survive and grow. The Gram-negative characteristic indicates that the microbe's cell wall is composed of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer lipid bilayer, which provides resistance to certain antibiotics. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to easily navigate through tight spaces and adhere to surfaces, facilitating its colonization in various environments. As a chemoheterotroph, Prevotella marshii relies on organic compounds for energy and carbon, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to sustain its growth. This metabolic versatility enables the microbe to thrive in diverse ecosystems, from the human gut to soil and sediment. The microbe's mesophilic temperature preference suggests that it grows optimally in moderate temperatures, typically between 20-45°C, which is consistent with its presence in human and animal hosts. Prevotella marshii has been implicated in various diseases, including periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease, due to its ability to produce pro-inflammatory compounds and adhere to host cells. Its presence in the human gut has also been linked to the degradation of complex polysaccharides, contributing to the host's nutrient absorption. The microbe's ability to produce short-chain fatty acids as byproducts of fermentation has also been shown to influence the host's immune system and overall health. |
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