Bacteroides fragilis

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Classification

Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Bacteroidetes
Class: Bacteroidia
Order: Bacteroidales
Family: Bacteroidaceae
Genus: Bacteroides
Species: Bacteroides fragilis

Introduction

Bacteroides fragilis (BF) is a Gram-negative bacterium found in the human colon [1]. Although it is relatively rare compared to other species of Bacteroides, it is the most common clinical isolate [2]. BF is responsible for a large number of opportunistic infections in hospitals and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality [2]. In addition to opportunistic infections, BF has been known to cause complications such as colorectal cancer and cholitis. [3] This bacterium is of interest to researchers because of its ability to evade immune responses and evolving drug resistance.

Colony of Bacteroides fragilis, Gram-stained and magnified 1000x. Image taken by Don Stalon. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Genetics

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Section 2 Microbiome

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Conclusion

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References

Edited by James Cawthon, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116 Information in Living Systems, 2019, Kenyon College.