Bacteroides ovatus

Bacteroides ovatus is a rod-shaped bacterium often found in the human intestines. It is a part of the human microbiome – the collection of microorganisms that live inside humans. When in the human intestine the bacteria are helpful to their host. If the bacteria get out of the intestine they can cause disease. The bacterium B. ovatus is a member of the larger group of bacteria called the Bacteroides fragilis group. This group is named after Bacteroides fragilis, the most common organism in the group.

 Habitat 
B. ovatus lives in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It grows best at the temperature 30 °C and the pH 7. B. ovatus is adapted for living in humans.

 Role in microbiome 
The bacteria that live inside humans can help our health. Bacteria in the intestine can provide key nutrients and prevent growth of harmful bacteria. The bacteria benefit from living in humans as they have a safe place to grow and survive.

 Pathogenicity 
B. ovatus is an anaerobic pathogen. This means it does not require oxygen to grow. Infections with anaerobic pathogens usually have multiple disease-causing bacteria, B. ovatus is often one of them.

 Antibiotic resistance 
Infection with B. ovatus is treated with antibiotics – drugs that kill harmful bacteria. Resistance to these drugs is increasing. Scientists are investigating new ways and new drugs to treat infections with B. ovatus.

 Probiotic potential 
B. ovatus has the potential to be used in probiotics – live microorganisms that when eaten can help growth of bacteria in the gut. Taking probiotics can improve diseases caused by disruption of the microbiome.

 References 

Category:Bacteria