Propionibacterium ruminifibrarum

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Propionibacterium ruminifibrarum. Image credit: Science Photo Library

Classification

Bacteria; Actinomycetota; Actinomycetes; Propionibacteriales; Propionibacteriaceae

Species

NCBI: [1]

Propionibacterium ruminifibrarum

Description and Significance

P. ruminifibrarum is rod-shaped and found in the skin of animals and humans. P. ruminifibrarum is specifically found in the rumen of a Holstein Friesian dairy cow. P. ruminifibrarum is important because it is a novel species found within Propionibacterium, that metabolizes differently than other Propionibacterium species.

Genome Structure

The DNA G+C content of the type strain is 68.9 mol%. Cells are present in single cells and in clusters. Against P. australiense, the average genome wide nucleotide identity was 88.3% and 35.5% digital DNA-DNA hybridization.

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

P. ruminifibrarum can convert D-adonitol, galactose, glucose, inositol, DL-lactate, mannose, meso-erythritol, ribose, and sorbitol, to propionate and acetate, and succinate and/or formate. This strain, JV5T, could not directly degrade plant carbon sources, but could use the compounds made by the primary degraders.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

P. ruminifibrarum mainly produces propionate as the end product of fermentation, which is a very important energy source for gluconeogenesis in dairy cows. It is the greatest contributor and only major volatile fatty acid involved in gluconeogenesis. When absorbed by ruminal epithelial cells within the dairy cows, it can correct their metabolic disease. These high functioning dairy cows suffer from nutritional deficiencies and therefore rampant disease, when left without the hydrolization of propionate to make propionic acid and calcium ions.