Christensenella hongkongensis

Christensenella hongkongensis is a species of Gram-negative bacteria that belongs to the family Christensenellaceae. It was first isolated from human feces and is considered to be part of the human gut microbiota. This bacterium has garnered interest due to its potential role in influencing human health, particularly in relation to obesity and metabolic disorders.

Taxonomy

Christensenella hongkongensis was first described in 2013 by Lau et al. The genus Christensenella is named in honor of the Danish microbiologist Henrik Christensen, who made significant contributions to the study of anaerobic bacteria. The species name "hongkongensis" refers to Hong Kong, where the bacterium was first isolated.

Morphology and Physiology

Christensenella hongkongensis is a strictly anaerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. It is Gram-negative, which means it does not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation. The cells are typically 0.5–0.7 µm in width and 1.0–2.5 µm in length.

Genomic Characteristics

The genome of Christensenella hongkongensis has been sequenced, revealing insights into its metabolic capabilities and potential interactions with the host. The genome size is approximately 2.5 Mb with a G+C content of around 55%. The bacterium possesses genes that enable it to ferment carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids such as acetate and butyrate, which are important for gut health.

Ecological Role

Christensenella hongkongensis is part of the human gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and overall homeostasis. Studies have suggested that the presence of Christensenella species in the gut is associated with a lean body type and may protect against obesity. This has led to interest in the potential use of Christensenella as a probiotic.

Clinical Significance

While Christensenella hongkongensis is not known to be pathogenic, its presence and abundance in the gut microbiome have been linked to various health outcomes. Research is ongoing to determine its exact role in human health and disease, particularly in relation to metabolic health and obesity.

Research and Applications

The potential probiotic properties of Christensenella hongkongensis are being explored, with studies investigating its ability to modulate the gut microbiome and influence host metabolism. Its role in the gut-brain axis and immune modulation are also areas of active research.

Also see

• Gut microbiota
• Probiotics
• Obesity
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Metabolic disorders