Bacteroides fragilis str. 20793-3

Bacteroides fragilis str. 20793-3 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that typically exists as single cells and thrives under anaerobic conditions. This strain, which optimally grows at 37.0°C, is classified as a chemoorganotroph, indicating that it derives energy from organic compounds. Bacteroides fragilis is commonly found in host-associated habitats, which suggests a symbiotic or commensal relationship with its host organisms. This association is significant, as members of the Bacteroides genus are known to play crucial roles in the gut microbiota, contributing to the digestion of complex carbohydrates and maintaining gut health. The anaerobic nature of Bacteroides fragilis str. 20793-3 may reflect its adaptation to the oxygen-poor environments of the gastrointestinal tract, where it can outcompete aerobic organisms. Understanding the traits of this strain can provide insights into its functional contributions to the microbiome and its potential implications for host metabolism and immune response. The successful adaptation of Bacteroides fragilis to anaerobic niches underscores the evolutionary strategies employed by microbes to thrive in specific ecological contexts.