| Description | Bacteroides massiliensis (B84634 = Timone 84634 = DSM 17679 = JCM 13223) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in anaerobic environments, specifically classified as an obligate anaerobe. This microbe prefers mesophilic conditions, generally growing optimally between 30°C and 37°C, and is classified as a chemoheterotroph, deriving its energy and carbon from organic compounds. Bacteroides massiliensis is part of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract, where it plays a critical role in digestion and metabolic processes, and can also be found in other body sites such as the mouth, respiratory tract, and the female genital tract. As a typical member of the genus Bacteroides, B. massiliensis is involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, contributing to the fermentation processes in the gut, which yield short-chain fatty acids beneficial for colon health. The bacteria possess a range of enzymatic capabilities, allowing them to degrade a variety of polysaccharides, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining the equilibrium of gut microbiota.Bacteroides massiliensis has also been studied for its potential in biotechnological applications, such as the production of biofuels and other valuable bioproducts through the fermentation of biomass. Sequencing of its genome has revealed unique metabolic pathways that may hold promise for advancements in microbiome research and clinical applications. Additionally, its resistance to certain antibiotics and ability to thrive in the human microbiome make it an important subject of study in understanding gut health and dysbiosis, as well as its implications in various health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. |
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