| Description | Fusobacterium perfoetens is a Gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium characterized by its bacilli shape and filamentous arrangement. This anaerobic microbe thrives in the intestinal environments of animals, where it forms part of the complex microbial community known as the gut microbiota. As a mesophilic organism, F. perfoetens has an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, which aligns with the internal temperature of warm-blooded hosts. Fusobacterium perfoetens primarily relies on fermentative metabolism combined with anaerobic respiration, making it a chemoheterotroph that utilizes organic compounds for energy and growth. Its ability to grow in oxygen-depleted environments is a key adaptation that supports its survival within the intestines, where it plays a role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and proteins, contributing to nutrient absorption in the host. Notably, F. perfoetens is associated with various health conditions, including periodontal disease and certain gastrointestinal disorders, highlighting its dual role as both a beneficial and potentially pathogenic organism in the gut microbiome. Its presence in the intestinal microbiota illustrates the delicate balance between host health and microbial community dynamics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining microbial diversity to prevent dysbiosis and associated diseases. This intricate relationship between Fusobacterium perfoetens and its host underscores the critical role of gut microbiota in overall health and disease susceptibility. |
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