| Description | Eubacterium eligens ATCC 27750 is a type of bacterium that exhibits several distinct characteristics. It is categorized as a mesophilic microbe, preferring temperatures between 25-40°C (77-104°F) for optimal growth (Metabolism and energy source: Heterotroph, Energy production: Fermentative, Gram stain: Gram-positive, Shape: Rod-shaped). As a heterotroph, E. eligens requires an external energy source, which it obtains from the breakdown of organic compounds (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) in its environment. It produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through fermentation, a process that involves the conversion of glucose into lactic acid, ethanol, and carbon dioxide (Energy production: Fermentative). The bacterium is gram-positive, meaning its cell wall contains a thick layer of peptidoglycan (also known as murein), which gives it a distinct Gram stain reaction. Rod-shaped, E. eligens cells measure approximately 0.5-1.5 μm in width and 1.5-3.5 μm in length. E. eligens is an obligate anaerobe, requiring a low-oxygen environment to survive. It is unable to grow in the presence of high oxygen levels and will actually die off if exposed to aerobic conditions. However, it can tolerate small amounts of oxygen, making it an aerotolerant anaerobe to some extent. Found in various body sites across different species, including the human gut, skin, and oral cavity, E. eligens is considered a normal commensal microbe, playing a role in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients. In the gut, for example, it helps break down dietary fiber into simpler compounds that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This microbe has been linked to several diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and oral infections. Its ability to produce lipopolysaccharides, which can trigger an immune response, has been implicated in the development of these conditions. Further research into the role of E. eligens in human health and disease is ongoing, highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamics between this microbe and its human host. |
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