Mesophiles

Mesophiles are organisms that thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 20 and 45 °C (68 and 113 °F). The term is mainly applied to microorganisms. Human pathogens are mesophiles.

Characteristics

Mesophiles are adapted to moderate temperatures, with growth rates peaking around 37 °C. This makes them distinct from thermophiles, which thrive at unusually hot temperatures, and psychrophiles, which thrive at unusually cold temperatures.

Mesophiles are often found in environments such as soil and water, and in and on the human body. Some mesophiles also live in hot springs, but these are usually classified as thermophiles.

Examples

Many common bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are mesophiles, as are many common yeasts and molds.

Pathogenicity

Many pathogenic bacteria are mesophiles, as they thrive in the body temperature of their host. This includes many common human pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

See also

• Extremophile
• Thermophile
• Psychrophile

Mesophiles Resources
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