| Description | Helicobacter fennelliae is a microbe that thrives in a variety of environments, exhibiting a range of characteristics that enable it to survive in diverse settings. This microbe falls under the temperature preference category of mesophilic, meaning it prefers temperatures between 25-45°C. From a metabolic standpoint, H. fennelliae is a heterotroph, relying on organic compounds for energy and growth. Specifically, it is a chemoheterotroph, using the oxidation of organic compounds as its primary mechanism for producing energy. In terms of energy production, H. fennelliae lacks a typical bacterial respiratory chain and instead generates energy through the activity of hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenases. The microbe is classified as a gram-negative bacterium, characterized by its thin peptidoglycan layer and a outer membrane that contains lipopolysaccharides. H. fennelliae is spiral-shaped, with a characteristic helical structure. In terms of body sites, this microbe has been isolated from various locations, including the human gastrointestinal tract, dental plaque, and the oral cavity of rodents. Furthermore, it has been found to colonize a wide range of body sites across different species, including humans, animals, and insects. H. fennelliae is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires a completely anoxic environment to grow and survive. The microbe's anaerobic metabolism allows it to thrive in environments with limited oxygen availability, such as the human gut. Despite its anaerobic nature, H. fennelliae is capable of growth in vitro using a variety of media, including those supplemented with DNA and hemin. Despite its relatively unknown status, H. fennelliae has been linked to various diseases, including periodontitis and bacteremia in humans. Its ability to colonize and thrive in diverse environments, combined with its unique metabolic capabilities, make it an important target for further study. |
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