| Description | Parabacteroides merdae is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a moderate temperature range, between 22°C and 37°C, categorizing it as a mesophilic microbe. This bacterium is a heterotroph, meaning it derives its energy from the breakdown of organic compounds, specifically glucose and other carbohydrates. It is also a chemoheterotroph, as it uses chemical reactions to convert its energy source into ATP. As a chemoheterotroph, P. merdae produces its energy through the process of cellular respiration, specifically aerobic respiration. This means it requires oxygen to produce energy, classifying it as an obligate aerobe. This microbe is found in various body sites across all species, including the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory tract, where it plays a crucial role in the breakdown of complex nutrients. P. merdae is known to form biofilms, complex communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces, which enable it to colonize and adapt to its environment. Its ability to form biofilms also allows it to survive in the face of antimicrobial therapy and antibiotics. In addition to its significance in the human body, P. merdae has been found to be involved in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and even cancer. Its role in these diseases is complex and multifaceted, and further research is needed to fully understand its contribution. Studies have also shown that P. merdae produces adhesins, molecules that allow it to attach to host cells, and has been found to induce inflammation and modulate the immune response. Its ability to interact with the host immune system makes it an important target for future research and potential therapeutic applications. |
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