Sphingobacteriia

Sphingobacteriia is a class of bacteria within the phylum Bacteroidetes. This class is characterized by its unique lipid composition, which includes sphingolipids, a type of lipid typically found in eukaryotic cells but rare in bacteria.

Characteristics

Members of the Sphingobacteriia class are generally Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped. They are known for their ability to degrade complex organic compounds, including pollutants, making them of interest in bioremediation efforts.

File:Sphingobacterium.jpg

A microscopic image of Sphingobacterium, a genus within the Sphingobacteriia class.

Taxonomy

The class Sphingobacteriia includes three orders: Sphingobacteriales, Cytophagales, and Flavobacteriales. These orders encompass a diverse range of genera and species, many of which have been isolated from a variety of environments, including soil, water, and even the human body.

Medical Relevance

While most Sphingobacteriia are harmless, some species have been associated with human disease. For example, Sphingobacterium spiritivorum and Sphingobacterium multivorum have been implicated in a variety of infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Research and Bioremediation

Due to their ability to degrade complex organic compounds, Sphingobacteriia are of interest in the field of bioremediation. Research is ongoing to better understand their metabolic capabilities and to harness these abilities for the cleanup of polluted environments.

See Also

• Bacteroidetes
• Sphingolipids
• Bioremediation