PREVOTELLA Meaning and
Definition
-
Prevotella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that belongs to the phylum Bacteroidetes. These bacteria are known to be part of the normal microbial flora in the human body, especially in areas like the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital system. The name "Prevotella" is derived from the French bacteriologist André Prévot, who first discovered and studied these bacteria.
Members of the Prevotella genus are anaerobic, which means they thrive in environments with little to no oxygen. They are non-motile, non-spore-forming bacteria, commonly characterized by their rod-shaped morphology. Prevotella species play an important role in several physiological processes within the human body.
In the oral cavity, Prevotella bacteria are involved in dental plaque formation and contribute to periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Additionally, certain species of Prevotella are associated with infections in other areas of the body, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and female reproductive system.
Prevotella bacteria are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. They are known to ferment complex carbohydrates, such as starches and cellulose, into simpler compounds like short-chain fatty acids. This metabolic activity can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on human health.
While some species of Prevotella have been associated with diseases, others have been found to have potential probiotic properties. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between Prevotella and the human microbiota, as well as their role in health and disease.
Common Misspellings for PREVOTELLA
Etymology of PREVOTELLA
The word "Prevotella" is derived from the name of the French bacteriologist André Prévot, who first described this genus of bacteria in 1924. The genus was named in his honor by his colleague, Albert Hauduroy.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
