| Description | Shigella flexneri is a type of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in temperatures between 25-40°C, placing it in the mesophilic temperature preference category. As a heterotroph, S. flexneri obtains its energy by utilizing pre-existing organic compounds, rather than producing its own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Its energy production is facilitated through aerobic respiration, which requires the presence of oxygen. During Gram staining, S. flexneri exhibits a characteristic Gram-negative reaction, meaning its cell wall and outer membrane lack the peptidoglycan layer that is typically found in Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterium's rod-shaped morphology allows it to flex and bend, which is reflected in its species name. Shigella flexneri is found on various body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and respiratory tract, and is capable of infecting all species. The bacterium is an obligate aerobe, meaning it requires the presence of oxygen to survive and replicate. In fact, it is sensitive to even low levels of oxygen and cannot tolerate anaerobic conditions. Shigella flexneri is notorious for causing shigellosis, a type of bacterial dysentery characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and blood in the stool. The bacterium is highly infectious and can spread through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact. Due to its ability to cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries, S. flexneri remains a significant public health concern. Despite its reputation as a pathogen, S. flexneri has also been found to possess a unique ability to form biofilms, complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and protect against antimicrobial agents. This ability has significant implications for our understanding of the bacterium's ecology and its potential for transmission and persistence in various environments. |
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