Saccharibacteria

Saccharibacteria (formerly known as TM7) is a phylum of bacteria that are commonly found in the human oral cavity, soil, and wastewater. They are known for their small size and parasitic lifestyle, often living on the surface of other bacteria. Despite their ubiquity, Saccharibacteria are difficult to study due to their inability to be cultured in a laboratory setting.

Taxonomy

Saccharibacteria is a phylum within the domain Bacteria. It was formerly known as TM7, a placeholder name given to it when it was first discovered through molecular methods. The name Saccharibacteria comes from the Greek words for "sugar" and "bacteria", reflecting the group's association with the human oral cavity.

Characteristics

Saccharibacteria are small, typically less than 1 micrometer in diameter. They are Gram-negative, meaning they have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane. They are also obligate parasites, meaning they must live on or in another organism to survive. Saccharibacteria are known to live on the surface of other bacteria, forming a type of relationship known as epibiosis.

Habitat and Ecology

Saccharibacteria are ubiquitous in the environment. They are commonly found in the human oral cavity, where they are associated with both healthy and diseased states. They are also found in soil and wastewater. Despite their prevalence, Saccharibacteria are difficult to study because they cannot be cultured in a laboratory setting. Instead, researchers must rely on molecular methods to study these organisms.

Health Implications

Saccharibacteria have been associated with various health conditions. In the oral cavity, they have been linked to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss. However, they are also found in healthy individuals, suggesting they may play a role in maintaining oral health. More research is needed to fully understand the role of Saccharibacteria in human health.

See Also

• Oral microbiology
• Periodontal disease
• Bacterial taxonomy