Biology of asaccharolytic black-pigmented Bacteroides species

Abstract

The three species of asaccharolytic black-pigmented Bacteroides, Bacteroides gingivalis, Bacteroides asaccharolyticus, and Bacteroides endodontalis, are typical gram-negative anaerobic rods which are often part of mixed anaerobic infections. However, very little information is known about their specific role in disease. This paper reviews the data concerning the taxonomic problems related to these three species, their ecology and their ultrastructural anatomy, and studies on the pathogenicity of these microorganisms, as well as properties which can affect their virulence potential at least in vitro models. Finally, we have summarized the data concerning the physiology, serology, and antimicrobial susceptibility of these bacteria. This review should help the reader to understand the relative importance of these three bacterial species in infections, to distinguish the specific characters of each species, and to understand some of the microbial factors that may be involved in the initiation and development of disease.