Query: NC_009615:21500 Parabacteroides distasonis ATCC 8503 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Parabacteroides distasonis; Parabacteroides; Porphyromonadaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria
General Information: Normal gastrointestinal bacterium. This group of microbes constitute the most abundant members of the intestinal microflora of mammals. Typically they are symbionts, but they can become opportunistic pathogens in the peritoneal (intra-abdominal) cavity. Breakdown of complex plant polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose and host-derived polysaccharides such as mucopolysaccharides is aided by the many enzymes these organisms produce. Parabacteroides distasonis is one of the most common fecal isolates, however, this organism is rarely isolated from clinical specimens.