Furfurilactobacillus

Furfurilactobacillus is a genus of bacteria in the family Lactobacillaceae. It was first described in 2020 as a result of a reclassification of the genus Lactobacillus. The genus name Furfurilactobacillus is derived from the Latin words furfur, meaning bran, and lactobacillus, meaning milk rod, referring to the bacteria's ability to ferment bran.

Characteristics

Furfurilactobacillus is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium. It is anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen to grow. The bacteria are homofermentative, meaning they produce lactic acid as the primary end product of their fermentation process.

Species

As of 2021, there are four recognized species in the genus Furfurilactobacillus:

• Furfurilactobacillus rossiae
• Furfurilactobacillus siliginis
• Furfurilactobacillus pentosus
• Furfurilactobacillus parabuchneri

Role in Health and Disease

Furfurilactobacillus species are part of the human microbiota, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, and play a role in maintaining human health. They are also used in the production of fermented foods and beverages. Some species, such as F. rossiae, have been associated with bacterial vaginosis, although the exact role they play in this condition is not yet fully understood.

See Also

• Lactobacillus
• Lactobacillaceae
• Human microbiota