Bifidobacterium thermophilum

General Information

Bifidobacterium thermophilum is a fascinating microorganism primarily known for its role in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including humans. This bacterium is part of the larger genus Bifidobacterium, which is renowned for its probiotic properties and contributions to gut health. One of the most interesting aspects of B. thermophilum is its ability to thrive at higher temperatures compared to many other members of the Bifidobacterium genus, which typically prefer cooler environments. This thermophilic nature makes it particularly valuable for industrial applications where higher temperatures are involved, such as in the production of certain fermented foods. Another unique characteristic of B. thermophilum is its metabolic versatility. It can ferment a variety of carbohydrates, producing lactic acid and acetic acid as end products. This metabolic activity not only helps in maintaining the pH balance in the gut but also inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thereby promoting a healthy microbiome. From a research perspective, B. thermophilum is valuable due to its potential applications in probiotic formulations. Its ability to survive and remain active at higher temperatures makes it a promising candidate for inclusion in probiotic supplements that may be exposed to varying environmental conditions during storage and transport. Moreover, studies have shown that B. thermophilum can enhance the immune response, making it a subject of interest in the development of functional foods aimed at boosting immunity. Its role in the gut-brain axis is also being explored, as emerging research suggests that gut microbiota can influence mental health and cognitive functions. In summary, Bifidobacterium thermophilum stands out due to its thermophilic nature, metabolic versatility, and potential health benefits, making it a valuable organism for both scientific research and industrial applications.

Bifidobacterium thermophilum is a fascinating species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Bifidobacterium, which is well-known for its role in the human gut microbiota. This particular species is notable for its ability to thrive in high-temperature environments, making it a thermophilic organism. Its optimal growth temperature ranges between 37°C and 45°C, which is higher than many other members of its genus. This characteristic not only makes it interesting from a physiological standpoint but also valuable for various biotechnological applications, particularly in the production of fermented dairy products and probiotics. One of the unique aspects of B. thermophilum is its ability to metabolize a wide range of carbohydrates, including complex polysaccharides. This metabolic versatility allows it to contribute significantly to the fermentation processes in the gut, promoting a healthy microbiome. Research has shown that it can produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate and lactate, which play a crucial role in gut health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, B. thermophilum has been studied for its potential prebiotic effects, as it can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This makes it a subject of interest in studies related to gut health, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Its resilience and adaptability to different environmental conditions also make it a candidate for further research in the field of microbial ecology and biotechnology. In summary, Bifidobacterium thermophilum stands out due to its thermophilic nature, metabolic capabilities, and potential health benefits, making it a valuable organism for both scientific research and practical applications in health and nutrition.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Bifidobacteriales

Family: Bifidobacteriaceae

Genus: Bifidobacterium

Species: Bifidobacterium thermophilum

NCBI ID

33905

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/902/385/935/GCA_902385935.1_UHGG_MGYG-HGUT-02334

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_902385935.1_UHGG_MGYG-HGUT-02334_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The microorganism Bifidobacterium thermophilum is a member of the genus Bifidobacterium, which is known for its beneficial role in human health, particularly in the gut microbiome. It is often associated with probiotic properties, contributing to the maintenance of a balanced intestinal flora. This organism is recognized for its ability to ferment dietary fibers, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are crucial for gut health and may enhance immune response by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In terms of disease associations, Bifidobacterium thermophilum has been studied for its potential role in preventing gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its presence in the gut may help in alleviating symptoms associated with these conditions, although more research is needed to establish definitive links. One of the significant clinical implications of Bifidobacterium thermophilum is its potential in antimicrobial resistance strategies. Probiotics like this organism can compete with pathogenic bacteria for resources and attachment sites in the gut, thereby reducing the risk of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium thermophilum has been explored for its applications in therapeutics, particularly in the development of functional foods and dietary supplements aimed at enhancing gut health. Its use in probiotic formulations may provide health benefits, including improved digestion and enhanced immune function. Overall, while Bifidobacterium thermophilum shows promise in various health-related applications, ongoing research is essential to fully understand its mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential therapeutic uses.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Bifidobacterium thermophilum is primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, particularly in the intestines of humans and other mammals. This microorganism thrives in a mesophilic environment, where temperatures typically range from 37°C to 45°C, making it well-suited for the conditions found in the digestive systems of its hosts. Habitat Characteristics: - The presence of Bifidobacterium thermophilum is often linked to a diet rich in fiber and prebiotics, which serve as essential substrates for its growth and metabolic activities. - It plays a crucial role in the fermentation of carbohydrates, contributing to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are beneficial for gut health. Ecological Role: - This bacterium is a key player in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, promoting symbiotic relationships with other beneficial microorganisms. Its presence can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thus enhancing the overall health of the host. - Bifidobacterium thermophilum is also involved in the modulation of the immune system, helping to maintain homeostasis within the gut environment. Environmental Adaptations: - Adapted to thrive in the anaerobic conditions of the gut, it possesses metabolic pathways that allow it to efficiently utilize available nutrients while producing metabolites that support both its survival and the health of its host. - Its ability to withstand varying pH levels and compete for resources with other gut flora underscores its importance in the complex ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Bifidobacterium thermophilum has several notable industrial applications primarily in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. This bacterium is recognized for its role in the production of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and are widely used in the food industry, particularly in dairy products such as yogurt and fermented milk. The fermentation process involving Bifidobacterium thermophilum enhances the nutritional profile of these products by increasing the bioavailability of nutrients and producing beneficial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids. In addition to its applications in food production, Bifidobacterium thermophilum is also being explored for its potential in waste management. Its ability to degrade complex carbohydrates makes it a candidate for biodegradation processes, where it can help in the breakdown of organic waste materials, contributing to more sustainable waste treatment solutions. Furthermore, the enzymatic activity of Bifidobacterium thermophilum is of interest in biofuel production. The bacterium can be involved in the conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars, which can then be utilized in the production of bioethanol, thus supporting renewable energy initiatives. Overall, Bifidobacterium thermophilum demonstrates significant potential across various industries, particularly in enhancing food products, improving waste management practices, and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

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: 3

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

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