| Description | Eggerthella lenta is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a wide range of temperatures, falling under the category of mesophilic microorganisms, preferring temperatures between 25°C to 37°C. As a chemoheterotroph, this microbe derives its energy from the breakdown of organic compounds, specifically carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It does not produce its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, relying instead on the absorption of nutrients from its environment. In terms of energy production, Eggerthella lenta employs a respiratory metabolic pathway, relying on the oxidation of reduced cofactors to generate ATP. Its gram-negative cell wall structure, composed of a thin peptidoglycan layer, is characteristic of the Enterobacteriaceae family. The rod-shaped morphology of this microbe enables it to move through its environment with ease, facilitated by the presence of flagella. Eggerthella lenta is a facultative anaerobe, capable of surviving in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In the presence of oxygen, it can metabolize sugars more efficiently, but in the absence of oxygen, it can continue to respire using alternative electron acceptors. This adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse environments, including the human gut, where it can be found associated with the mucosa of the small intestine. This microbe is often isolated from the human body, particularly from the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Its ability to colonize various body sites, including skin, lung, and brain, highlights its capacity for adaptation and survival in different environments. Interestingly, Eggerthella lenta has been linked to various human diseases, including periodontitis, septicemia, and skin infections. Its presence has also been detected in environmental samples, such as soil and water, suggesting its ability to thrive in external ecosystems as well. Overall, Eggerthella lenta is a versatile microbe with a wide range of adaptations, demonstrating its importance in various ecological niches. |
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