Description | Ochrobactrum intermedium LMG 3301 is a mesophilic, chemoorganotrophic bacterium that thrives in temperatures between 20-40°C. As a chemotroph, it obtains energy by breaking down organic compounds, specifically using glucose as its primary energy source. This microbe produces energy through aerobic respiration, a process that requires the presence of oxygen. The bacterium's cell wall is stained Gram-negative, indicating the presence of a peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. Ochrobactrum intermedium LMG 3301 is a rod-shaped bacterium, typically ranging in size from 0.5-1.5 μm in length and 0.2-0.5 μm in width. It can be found inhabiting a variety of environments, including soil, water, and human body sites such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. The microbe's potential to colonize these sites highlights its ability to adapt to different ecological niches. The bacterium exhibits an obligate aerobic metabolism, meaning it is unable to survive in the absence of oxygen. This requirement is reflected in its oxygen preference, which categorizes it as a microaerophile – it thrives in environments with limited oxygen availability. This characteristic is likely an adaptation to its various ecological niches, where oxygen levels may fluctuate. Ochrobactrum intermedium LMG 3301 has been implicated in various diseases, including respiratory tract infections, ear infections, and endocarditis. Research has also explored its potential as a probiotic, highlighting its ability to produce antimicrobial compounds and modulate the host immune response. Furthermore, studies have investigated its role in the biodegradation of pollutants, such as PAHs and pesticides, demonstrating its capacity to play a crucial part in environmental remediation. |
---|