Bacteroides fragilis str. DS-208

Bacteroides fragilis str. DS-208 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that typically exists as single cells. This strain is a chemoorganotroph, deriving energy primarily from organic compounds, and is adapted to anaerobic environments, making it a strict anaerobe. The optimal growth temperature for B. fragilis str. DS-208 is 37.0°C, aligning with the physiological conditions found within mammalian hosts, where it is commonly associated. Bacteroides fragilis is well-known for its role in the human gut microbiome, contributing to the complex interactions within host-associated microbial communities. Given its anaerobic nature and reliance on organic substrates, this strain is likely to play a crucial role in the fermentation of complex carbohydrates, thereby influencing nutrient availability and metabolic processes within the gut environment. The presence of B. fragilis str. DS-208 in host-associated habitats underscores its potential contributions to digestive health and microbial homeostasis. Overall, the characteristics of Bacteroides fragilis str. DS-208 highlight its adaptation to a host-associated, anaerobic lifestyle, suggesting that it may be integral to the maintenance of gut health through its metabolic activities and interactions with other microorganisms in the intestinal ecosystem.