| Description | Serratia marcescens is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a mesophilic temperature range (optimal growth at around 25-37°C), is classified as a chemoheterotroph, and is a facultative anaerobe. This organism is commonly found in various body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and on the skin, making it a prominent member of the human microbiome. As a gram-negative bacterium, Serratia marcescens possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer, surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which can play a role in its pathogenicity. Its rod shape contributes to its motility, allowing it to navigate through aqueous environments and biofilms. Being a mesophile, this microbe is well-adapted to the temperatures found in mammalian hosts, which is significant for its role in human health and disease. As a chemoheterotroph, Serratia marcescens derives its energy from organic compounds, utilizing various carbon sources, including sugars and amino acids. This metabolic versatility enables it to thrive in diverse environments, often isolated from water, soil, and clinical settings. Its facultative anaerobic nature allows it to grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, adapting its metabolism accordingly—an advantage that facilitates survival in the varying conditions of its ecological niches. Serratia marcescens is notable for its production of a distinct red pigment called prodigiosin, which is not only responsible for its characteristic coloration but also exhibits antimicrobial properties. This microbe is associated with opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, and has been implicated in hospital-acquired infections, including urinary tract infections and respiratory infections. Additionally, its ability to form biofilms poses challenges in clinical settings, complicating treatment efforts and contributing to its persistence in medical environments. |
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