Acetobacteroides

Acetobacteroides is a genus of bacteria in the family Bacteroidaceae. This genus is composed of Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, obligately anaerobic bacteria. The type species of this genus is Acetobacteroides hydrogenigenes.

Taxonomy

The genus Acetobacteroides was first proposed in 1983 by Shah and Collins. The genus name is derived from the Latin acetum, meaning vinegar, and bacter, meaning rod, referring to the rod-shaped morphology of these bacteria and their ability to produce acetic acid.

Characteristics

Acetobacteroides are obligately anaerobic bacteria, meaning they can only grow in environments devoid of oxygen. They are Gram-negative, which means they do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial identification. They are non-spore-forming, meaning they do not produce spores as a means of survival under harsh conditions.

Metabolism

Acetobacteroides are known for their ability to produce acetic acid, a type of organic acid. They do this through the process of fermentation, where they break down complex organic molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.

Clinical significance

While Acetobacteroides are typically found in the environment, they can also be found in the human gut microbiota. They have been associated with various health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.

See also

• Bacteroidaceae
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Fermentation (biochemistry)