The family sphingobacteriaceae

Abstract

The name Sphingobacterium was proposed by Yabuuchi in 1983 for a genus of bacteria that showed a biochemical profile with particular sphingolipids in their cell walls. Currently, the genus includes up to 22 species, and they are Gram-negative non-spore-forming bacilli generally without flagella. Colonies are smooth, convex, round with entire margins, and slightly yellowish. Catalase and oxidase reactions are present. The genome is circular. Bacteria have been isolated from several types of soils and compost and, currently, several industrial applications are known. These applications include growth increase as well as degradation and conversion of biomolecules. Among the species belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium, two species, S. multivorum and S. spiritivorum, are recognized as etiological agents of infections, also in cystic fibrosis.