Bilophila

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Bilophila
Kingdom:
Phylum:	Proteobacteria
Class:	Deltaproteobacteria
Order:	Desulfovibrionales
Family:	Desulfovibrionaceae

Bilophila is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria within the family Desulfovibrionaceae. This genus is known for its role in the human gastrointestinal tract and its association with certain disease conditions.

Taxonomy

Bilophila was first described by Shah and Collins in 1983. It belongs to the class Deltaproteobacteria, which is a class of Proteobacteria known for its diverse metabolic capabilities, including sulfate reduction.

Species

The most well-known species within this genus is Bilophila wadsworthia. This species is often isolated from human clinical specimens and is associated with various infections.

Morphology

Bilophila species are Gram-negative and exhibit a curved rod shape. They are anaerobic and motile, possessing a single polar flagellum that allows for movement in their environment.

Metabolism

Bilophila species are known for their ability to reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide during their metabolic processes. This characteristic is shared with other members of the Desulfovibrionaceae family. Bilophila wadsworthia is particularly noted for its ability to utilize bile acids as a growth substrate, which is a unique feature among intestinal bacteria.

Habitat

Bilophila species are commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colon. They thrive in the anaerobic conditions of the gut and are part of the normal microbiota.

Clinical Significance

Bilophila wadsworthia has been implicated in various human infections, particularly in appendicitis, peritonitis, and intra-abdominal infections. It is also associated with bacteremia and abscess formation. The presence of Bilophila in the gut has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Pathogenicity

The pathogenic potential of Bilophila is thought to be related to its production of hydrogen sulfide, which can have toxic effects on host tissues. Additionally, its ability to thrive in bile-rich environments may contribute to its virulence in the biliary tract.

Laboratory Identification

Bilophila can be identified in the laboratory through culture techniques under anaerobic conditions. It can be distinguished by its characteristic growth on media containing bile and its production of hydrogen sulfide, which can be detected by the blackening of the medium.

Treatment

Infections caused by Bilophila are typically treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic may depend on the susceptibility profile of the isolate, but common options include metronidazole, clindamycin, and beta-lactam antibiotics.

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the role of Bilophila in the gut microbiome and its impact on human health. Studies are exploring its interactions with other gut microbes and its potential role in metabolic disorders and immune system modulation.

See Also

• Gut microbiota
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Sulfate-reducing bacteria

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