| Description | Plesiomonas shigelloides is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives best at moderate temperatures (mesophilic), functions as a chemoheterotroph, and is classified as a facultative anaerobe. Found primarily in aquatic environments, P. shigelloides is not only isolated from freshwater sources but can also inhabit various body sites in humans and animals, including the gastrointestinal tract. As a Gram-negative organism, P. shigelloides possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which can contribute to its pathogenicity and immune evasion strategies. The rod shape facilitates motility, allowing it to navigate through mucosal surfaces in the intestines, where it can adhere and potentially cause infection. This bacterium is mesophilic, thriving optimally around 30-37°C, which aligns with the typical temperature range of the human body, creating favorable conditions for colonization. As a chemoheterotroph, P. shigelloides derives its energy and carbon from organic compounds, which it metabolizes for growth and reproduction. Its facultative anaerobic nature permits it to switch between aerobic respiration and fermentation, depending on the availability of oxygen, thus enhancing its adaptability to varying environmental conditions. Plesiomonas shigelloides is notably associated with gastrointestinal disease, often manifested as diarrhea, and can be transmitted through contaminated water or food. It is particularly significant in tropical and subtropical regions, where the incidence of infection tends to be higher. This microbe has also garnered attention for its potential to harbor antibiotic resistance genes, posing a challenge for treatment and public health. Its role in the aquatic ecosystem and potential as a pathogen underscores the importance of monitoring environmental and clinical isolates. |
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