Bacteroides

Bacteroides

Bacteroides (pronunciation: /bækˈtɪərɔɪdiːz/) is a genus of Gram-negative, obligate anaerobes bacteria that are widely distributed in the human gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and vagina.

Etymology

The term "Bacteroides" is derived from the Greek words "bakterion" meaning small rod and "eidos" meaning form or shape. Thus, Bacteroides can be translated as "rod-shaped bacteria".

Description

Bacteroides are non-spore forming, non-motile, and rod-shaped bacteria. They are part of the normal microbiota of the human body and play a crucial role in processing complex molecules to simpler ones in the host intestine. Bacteroides species are normally mutualistic, making up the most substantial portion of the mammalian gastrointestinal microbiota, where they play a fundamental role in processing of complex molecules to simpler ones.

Pathogenicity

While Bacteroides are typically beneficial to their host, they can become pathogenic and cause infections if they enter the bloodstream or tissues. This can occur through injury, surgery, or a weakened immune system. The most common infections caused by Bacteroides include peritonitis, appendicitis, and bacteremia.

Treatment

Treatment of Bacteroides infections typically involves antibiotics. However, some Bacteroides species have shown resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.

Related Terms

• Gram-negative bacteria
• Obligate anaerobes
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Oral cavity
• Vagina
• Microbiota
• Peritonitis
• Appendicitis
• Bacteremia
• Antibiotics

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Bacteroides
• Wikipedia's article - Bacteroides

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