Author: Szczerba, J; Dzieriewicz, Z
Abstract: The human and animal intestinal tract harbours the largest and most heterogeneous microbial ecosystem associated with the host body. Although this microbiota has been studied in great detail by conventional culture techniques, it is now recognized that our knowledge of the gut microflora is far from complete due to the limitations of culture-based techniques. The application of molecular methodologies to the analysis of intestinal flora should enable the development of a detailed knowledge of the ecology and physiology of the colon ecosystem. Microbiota of the intestinal tract consists of several hundred different types of bacteria. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are commonly found in the large bowel as well as in the humane oral cavity. Some findings suggest that SRB have been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease periodontitis and halitosis. Desulfovibrios are the major SRB occurring within humane isolates and usually belong to D. fairfieldensis, D. desulfuricans and D. piger species. Bacteria of Desulfovibrio genus are spiral, motile, non-spore forming Gram-negative rods and the cells of these microorganisms contain desulfoviridin. They share the ability to dissimilate sulfur reducing compounds and generate hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This gas is considered as cytotoxic and can be involved in the local tissue-damaging mechanism. SRB are also environmentally important microorganisms commonly found in anaerobic regions of soils, mud as well as marine, and estuarine sediments. Their metabolite, sulfide, is directly toxic to a large range of bacteria and higher organisms in these habitats. Moreover, the extremely corrosive nature of H2S can cause great economic problems, especially in the oil industry.
Source: POSTEPY MIKROBIOLOGII
Publication Year: 2008