| Description | Prevotella stercorea is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in warm environments, classifying it as a mesophilic organism. As a chemoheterotroph, it derives its energy and carbon from other organic compounds, primarily those found in the human gastrointestinal tract. This species is predominantly recognized for its presence in the human gut, serving as a crucial component of the microbiome, but it can also be found in various other body sites, including the oral cavity and respiratory tract. P. stercorea is classified as an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, relying instead on anaerobic environments for growth. Prevotella stercorea is particularly important in the context of human health and disease. It plays a pivotal role in the fermentation of carbohydrates, contributing to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are essential for gut health. The presence of SCFAs has been associated with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and the maintenance of gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, shifts in the abundance of P. stercorea within the gut microbiome have been associated with conditions such as obesity and inflammatory bowel diseases, suggesting that it may influence host metabolism and immune responses. Recent studies have explored the functional capabilities of P. stercorea, revealing its potential involvement in polysaccharide degradation, which allows it to thrive on dietary fibers that many other microbes cannot utilize. This ability underscores its significance in maintaining a balanced and diverse gut microbiota, emphasizing the complex interplay between host and microbial populations in health and disease scenarios. |
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