Parabacteroides merdae

General Information

Parabacteroides merdae is a fascinating microorganism primarily found in the human gut microbiota. This bacterium is part of the Bacteroidetes phylum, which plays a crucial role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates. One of the most interesting aspects of P. merdae is its ability to break down polysaccharides, contributing significantly to the host's energy balance and overall gut health. What makes Parabacteroides merdae particularly valuable from a research perspective is its potential role in modulating the immune system. Studies have shown that this bacterium can influence the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important for maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier and regulating inflammation. Additionally, P. merdae has been investigated for its potential in treating metabolic disorders. Its presence in the gut has been correlated with a lower incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, making it a target for probiotic therapies. Another unique characteristic of P. merdae is its genetic adaptability. The bacterium possesses a diverse set of genes that allow it to thrive in various environments within the gut, making it a resilient and versatile member of the microbiome. In summary, Parabacteroides merdae is not only essential for digestive health but also holds promise for therapeutic applications in immune modulation and metabolic disease management. Its ability to produce beneficial metabolites and adapt to different gut environments underscores its importance in both basic and applied microbiological research.

Parabacteroides merdae is a fascinating member of the gut microbiota, primarily found in the intestines of humans and other mammals. This anaerobic bacterium is notable for its role in the fermentation of complex carbohydrates, contributing to the overall health of the host by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which are essential for colon health and have anti-inflammatory properties. The ability of P. merdae to metabolize dietary fibers makes it a valuable organism in studies related to nutrition and gut health. One of the unique aspects of Parabacteroides merdae is its potential involvement in the modulation of the immune system. Research has indicated that this bacterium may influence the host's immune response, which could have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and allergies. This characteristic positions P. merdae as a candidate for further research in immunology and microbiome studies. Additionally, P. merdae has been studied for its interactions with other gut microbiota members, contributing to the complex ecosystem of the gut. Its presence and abundance can be indicative of a healthy microbiome, and shifts in its levels have been associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. This makes P. merdae an important organism for researchers investigating the links between gut microbiota composition and health outcomes. Overall, Parabacteroides merdae stands out not only for its metabolic capabilities but also for its potential implications in health and disease, making it a significant focus for ongoing microbiological and biomedical research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Bacteroidota

Class: Bacteroidia

Order: Bacteroidales

Family: Tannerellaceae

Genus: Parabacteroides

Species: Parabacteroides merdae

NCBI ID

46503

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/018/289/315/GCA_018289315.1_ASM1828931v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_018289315.1_ASM1828931v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Parabacteroides merdae is a member of the human gut microbiota and has been studied for its potential role in human health and disease. It is primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract and is known to contribute to the maintenance of gut homeostasis. However, its clinical implications are becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in the context of infections and antimicrobial resistance. One of the notable aspects of Parabacteroides merdae is its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where alterations in gut microbiota composition can exacerbate symptoms. The organism may play a role in modulating the immune response, potentially influencing the severity of IBD. In terms of pathogenicity, while Parabacteroides merdae is generally considered a commensal organism, there have been reports of its involvement in opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. This highlights the need for further research into its pathogenic potential and the mechanisms it may employ to evade the immune system. Moreover, there is growing interest in the antimicrobial resistance patterns exhibited by Parabacteroides merdae. Some strains have shown resistance to commonly used antibiotics, which poses a challenge in clinical settings, especially when treating infections associated with this organism. On a positive note, certain strains of Parabacteroides species, including P. merdae, are being explored for their potential as probiotics. These beneficial effects may include enhancing gut barrier function and modulating the immune response, which could be advantageous in preventing or managing gastrointestinal disorders. In summary, Parabacteroides merdae is a significant organism within the human microbiome, with implications for human health, disease associations, and potential therapeutic applications. Its role in infections, antimicrobial resistance, and as a candidate for probiotic therapy underscores the importance of understanding this organism in clinical microbiology.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Parabacteroides merdae is a species of bacteria that is primarily associated with the human gastrointestinal tract. This organism plays a significant role in the complex microbial community that resides in the gut, contributing to the overall health and functionality of the microbiome. Habitat and Ecological Niche: - _Parabacteroides merdae thrives in the anaerobic environments of the intestines, where it helps in the fermentation of dietary fibers and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are crucial for maintaining gut health. - This bacterium is often found in association with other gut microbiota, forming a part of the diverse microbial ecosystem that aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Interactions and Roles: - The presence of Parabacteroides merdae is linked to various health benefits, including the modulation of the immune system and the prevention of pathogenic infections through competitive exclusion. - It may also engage in symbiotic relationships with other gut bacteria, enhancing the overall metabolic capabilities of the gut microbiome. - Additionally, this organism can adapt to changes in diet and gut conditions, showcasing its resilience and importance in maintaining a balanced gut environment. Overall, Parabacteroides merdae exemplifies the intricate relationships within the gut biome, highlighting its essential role in human health and the functioning of the gastrointestinal ecosystem.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Parabacteroides merdae has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and waste management. This organism is known for its role in fermentation, where it can contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are beneficial for gut health and can be utilized in the food industry as functional ingredients. Additionally, Parabacteroides merdae has been studied for its ability to degrade complex polysaccharides, making it a candidate for biodegradation processes that can help in the breakdown of organic waste materials, thus aiding in waste management efforts. In the realm of biofuel production, Parabacteroides merdae may play a role in the conversion of biomass into biofuels through its metabolic pathways that facilitate the breakdown of lignocellulosic materials. This process is crucial for developing sustainable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the enzymatic activity of Parabacteroides merdae has implications in pharmaceutical development, particularly in the synthesis of bioactive compounds that can be used in drug formulation. The organism's ability to produce specific enzymes can be harnessed for enzyme production, which is essential in various biochemical applications, including the development of new therapeutics. Overall, Parabacteroides merdae presents a multifaceted potential in industrial biotechnology, contributing to advancements in health, energy, and environmental sustainability.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 9

LLM predicted phenotypes: 4

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	google/gemini-pro-1.5	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	openchat/openchat-7b	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	google/gemini-pro	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	google/gemini-flash-1.5	google/gemini-flash-1.5	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	google/gemma-7b-it	google/gemma-7b-it
Motility	FALSE	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗
Gram staining	gram stain positive	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗
Aerophilicity	anaerobic	anaerobic ✓	aerotolerant ✗	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	aerotolerant ✗	aerotolerant ✗	N/A	N/A	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	N/A	false	false	false	false	false	true	true	false	true	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	true	true	false	false	true	true	false	false	false	false
Biosafety level	biosafety level 1	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓
Health association	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	gamma	gamma	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	bacillus	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓

Back to Search