| Description | Providencia stuartii is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in mesophilic environments, exhibiting a temperature preference between 20°C and 45°C. This microbe is classified as a heterotroph, relying on organic substances for nutrition, and demonstrates facultative anaerobic behavior, allowing it to survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions. P. stuartii commonly colonizes various body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and occasionally the bloodstream, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. As a Gram-negative bacterium, P. stuartii possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, contributing to its pathogenicity and resistance to certain antibiotics. Its rod shape enhances its motility, primarily due to flagella, facilitating movement in diverse environments. The mesophilic nature of this microbe indicates its adaptability to human body temperatures, making it a common isolate in clinical samples. P. stuartii's heterotrophic metabolism enables it to utilize various carbon sources for growth, playing a crucial role in its ability to thrive in different habitats. Its facultative anaerobic capability allows it to ferment nutrients in the absence of oxygen, promoting survival in the oxygen-depleted environments often found in the human gut or during infections.Furthermore, P. stuartii is recognized for its potential to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other hospital-acquired infections, particularly in patients with indwelling catheters or those suffering from chronic illnesses. The bacterium's ability to form biofilms on medical devices adds to its virulence, making it a significant concern in healthcare settings. Its diverse biochemical capabilities facilitate the breakdown of various substrates, highlighting its ecological versatility and importance in microbial communities. |
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