Herellea is a genus of bacteria that belongs to the family Clostridiaceae. It is named after Félix d'Hérelle, a French-Canadian microbiologist who was instrumental in the discovery and understanding of bacteriophages, or viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. The genus Herellea is characterized by its rod-shaped or coccobacillus morphology, and its cells are typically gram-negative.
Members of the Herellea genus are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. They are capable of fermenting carbohydrates, producing various metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol. Moreover, some species of Herellea are known to be resistant to phage infection, a trait that is likely influenced by their close association with bacteriophages.
Herellea bacteria are commonly found in various environmental sources, including soil, water, and animal intestines. They are also occasionally associated with infections in humans, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. While some species are considered harmless commensals, others have the potential to cause disease, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Studying Herellea bacteria and their interactions with bacteriophages provides valuable insights into the field of phage therapy, a potential alternative to antibiotics in combating bacterial infections. By understanding the mechanisms underlying phage resistance and the dynamics between bacteria and their viral predators, scientists can develop effective therapeutic approaches for infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens.
