An Introduction to the Family Flavobacteriaceae

Abstract

The pre-16S rRNA sequence definition of the genus Clostridium was—non-sulfate-reducing sporeformer relying obligately on anaerobic energy metabolism and with a Gram-positive type cell wall (Hippe et al., 1992). Our view of bacterial classification has greatly changed in the past 10 years. We now define the overall taxonomic structure of the prokaryotes, for the most part, on the basis of relationships revealed by comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences. This has lead to transferring many former clostridial species to novel genera and to a more narrow definition of the genus Clostridium (further referred to as Clostridium sensu stricto), encompassing much fewer species but including the majority of the medically important species.