Bacteroides fragilis str. 3774 T13

Bacteroides fragilis strain 3774 (T13) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that predominantly exists in a single-cell arrangement. This microbe thrives optimally at 37.0°C, aligning with the physiological temperature of its host environment. As a chemoorganotroph, B. fragilis str. 3774 T13 utilizes organic compounds as its primary energy source, which is characteristic of many bacteria associated with host organisms. Importantly, this strain is classified as an anaerobe, indicating its metabolic processes occur in the absence of oxygen, a trait that allows it to colonize oxygen-depleted niches within host tissues. Bacteroides fragilis species are typically found in the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals, which suggests that strain 3774 T13 may play a role in the complex microbial ecosystem of the host. Its presence in a host-associated habitat underscores the potential for interactions with both the host's immune system and other microbial inhabitants. Understanding the specific traits of B. fragilis str. 3774 T13 could provide insights into its functional roles in nutrient metabolism and microbial community dynamics within the gut microbiome, highlighting its importance in maintaining gut health and homeostasis.