Query: NC_004663:3910956 Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI-5482, complete genome
Lineage: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron; Bacteroides; Bacteroidaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria
General Information: This is the type strain for this organism and was isolated from the feces of a healthy adult. Common 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. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is one of the two major Bacteroidesspecies found in the intestine. This organism has been used in studies on gut microflora composition and succession.
Subject: NC_003228:4895326 Bacteroides fragilis NCTC 9343, complete genome
Lineage: Bacteroides fragilis; Bacteroides; Bacteroidaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria
General Information: This organism can become an opportunistic pathogen, infecting anywhere in the body and causing abcess formation. Enterotoxigenic Bacterioides fragilis (ETBF) is associated with diarrheal diseases. Common gut 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. Although only a minor component of the human gut microflora, this organism is a major component of clinical specimens and is the most common anaerobe isolated.