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Cellulose digesting bacteria from human feces

M P Bryant

    The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
    |October 1, 1978
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Cellulolytic bacteria, capable of digesting filter paper, were found in high numbers in the feces of some humans. One identified strain, a Bacteroides species, slowly digests cellulose.

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    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Human Gut Microbiome Studies
    • Bacterial Metabolism

    Background:

    • Cellulose digestion is crucial for breaking down plant matter.
    • The presence and activity of cellulolytic bacteria in the human gut are not well-established.
    • Understanding the human gut microbiome's capacity for fiber degradation is important.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To isolate and identify anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria capable of digesting cellulose from human feces.
    • To quantify the abundance of these cellulolytic bacteria in human fecal samples.
    • To characterize the cellulose-degrading activity and fermentation products of isolated strains.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of anaerobic bacteria from human feces using wet-ballmilled filter paper as a substrate.

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  • Culturing and identification of bacterial isolates.
  • Quantification of bacterial populations in fecal samples.
  • Analysis of fermentation products (succinate, acetate, H2) from carbohydrate metabolism.

    • Main Results:

    • Anaerobic, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that digest filter paper were isolated from two of six human fecal samples.
    • Bacterial counts exceeded 10(8) per gram wet weight of feces, representing approximately 0.3% of total viable bacteria.
    • Significant numbers of cellulolytic bacteria were not detected in the other four individuals.
    • One isolated strain was identified as a Bacteroides sp., exhibiting slow cellulose digestion and producing succinate, acetate, and H2.

    Conclusions:

    • Cellulolytic bacteria are present in the human gut microbiome, although their prevalence varies among individuals.
    • Bacteroides species possess the capability for slow cellulose degradation.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role and extent of cellulose digestion by human gut bacteria.