Query: NC_009614:4844000 Bacteroides vulgatus ATCC 8482 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Bacteroides vulgatus; Bacteroides; Bacteroidaceae; 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. Bacteroides vulgatus and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron are the the most common fecal isolates from humans and other animals. Comparison of Bacteroides vulgatus with other Bacteroides species will provide information on their ability to colonize and exploit the intestinal environment.