| Description | Collinsella intestinalis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorized as a heterotroph, and can be found in various body sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, across multiple species, including humans, mice, and other mammals, and is typically an obligate anaerobe. The Gram-positive characteristic indicates that its cell wall retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, which is a key feature for identifying and classifying bacteria. Its rod-like shape is also distinctive, allowing it to inhabit and interact with its environment in a specific way. As a mesophilic microbe, Collinsella intestinalis prefers moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C, which is optimal for its growth and metabolic activities.As a heterotroph, Collinsella intestinalis relies on consuming other organic matter for its energy and nutritional needs, as opposed to producing its own food through autotrophic means. This reliance on external nutrients means it plays a role in breaking down complex substances in the gut. The ability of Collinsella intestinalis to inhabit various body sites, particularly the gut, underscores its adaptability and potential impact on host health. Being an obligate anaerobe, Collinsella intestinalis requires an oxygen-free environment to survive, which is consistent with its typical habitat in the gastrointestinal tract, where oxygen levels are low.
Collinsella intestinalis has been linked to various health conditions, and research has shown that it can produce short-chain fatty acids, which are important for colon health and may influence the overall balance of the gut microbiome, with its presence often being more abundant in individuals with certain diseases, suggesting a potential role in disease pathology. |
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