| Description | Parabacteroides massiliensis is a nonsporulating, Gram-negative bacterium that belongs to the family Porphyromonadaceae. This microbe is primarily found in the intestinal microflora of animals, where it plays a significant role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates through its fermentative metabolism. As a chemoheterotroph, P. massiliensis utilizes organic compounds as both energy and carbon sources, contributing to the overall metabolic diversity of gut microbiomes.Isolated from the stool samples of healthy individuals in a study aimed at characterizing gut microbiota, P. massiliensis highlights the intricate relationships between host organisms and their microbial inhabitants. The bacterium thrives in mesophilic conditions, suggesting it is well-suited to the moderate temperatures typically found in the intestinal tract of its hosts.Beyond its metabolic functions, P. massiliensis may play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and preventing dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the gut microbial community that can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders. The presence of Parabacteroides species in the gut has been linked to beneficial effects, such as enhanced immune responses and protection against pathogens. This underscores the importance of understanding the interactions within gut microbiomes, as disturbances in specific microbial populations, such as that of P. massiliensis, could have significant implications for the host's health and well-being. |
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