| Description | Alistipes shahii is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is mesophilic, thriving in moderate temperatures, and is a chemoheterotroph, requiring organic compounds for energy and growth, found in various body sites including the gut, skin, and respiratory tract of humans and animals. As a Gram-negative bacterium, Alistipes shahii has a thin peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, which contributes to its resistance to certain antibiotics. Its rod shape allows it to inhabit a variety of environments and adhere to surfaces. As a mesophilic microbe, Alistipes shahii grows best in temperatures between 20-45°C, making it well-suited to the human body's temperature. As a chemoheterotroph, it relies on organic matter for energy and carbon sources, which is abundant in the gut and other body sites where it resides. Alistipes shahii is an obligate anaerobe, requiring the absence of oxygen to grow, which is consistent with its presence in the anaerobic environments of the gut and other body sites. The bacterium can be found in all body sites, including the mouth, gut, skin, and respiratory tract, of various species, including humans, animals, and insects. Alistipes shahii plays a significant role in the gut microbiome, contributing to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and production of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy gut and immune system. The bacterium has been implicated in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and obesity, highlighting the importance of understanding its role in the human microbiome. |
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