| Description | Prevotella nigrescens is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium classified as a mesophile, thriving optimally at moderate temperatures. This microbe is a chemoheterotroph, obtaining energy through the breakdown of organic compounds, and is classified as an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Prevotella nigrescens is notably present in various body sites, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal flora of humans and other mammals. As a Gram-negative bacterium, Prevotella nigrescens has a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which play a role in its pathogenicity and immune evasion. Its rod-shaped morphology allows for motility in the anaerobic environments it inhabits. Being a mesophile, it flourishes in temperatures around 30-37 °C, which corresponds well with the human body temperature, facilitating its growth in various human niches. Prevotella nigrescens is part of the normal microbiota and contributes to the maintenance of health in its host. However, it has also been implicated in certain diseases, such as periodontal infections and other dental pathologies, due to its opportunistic nature. The ability to ferment carbohydrates and proteins makes it adept at thriving in the anaerobic conditions found in the mouth and gut. Research has indicated that this microbe could have potential implications in metabolic diseases, given its role in the gut microbiome. Furthermore, its interactions with other microbial species highlight its importance in maintaining a balanced microbial ecosystem, which is pivotal for overall health and homeostasis. |
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