Dialister

Dialister

Microscopic image of Dialister species.

Dialister is a genus of gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria that belongs to the family Veillonellaceae. These bacteria are commonly found in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract of humans and animals. The genus Dialister was first described in 1982 by Johnson and Holdeman.

Taxonomy and Classification

Dialister is classified under the phylum Firmicutes and the class Negativicutes. It is further categorized into the order Selenomonadales and the family Veillonellaceae. The genus currently consists of six recognized species, namely Dialister invisus, Dialister pneumosintes, Dialister succinatiphilus, Dialister micraerophilus, Dialister propionicifaciens, and Dialister pneumocistis.

Morphology and Physiology

Dialister species are non-motile, non-spore-forming, and pleomorphic bacteria. They appear as small, curved or fusiform rods under a microscope. These bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they can survive and grow in the absence of oxygen. They obtain energy through the fermentation of various carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids such as succinate and propionate.

Role in Human Health

Dialister species are commonly found in the oral cavity.

Dialister species are part of the normal microbial flora in humans and animals. In the oral cavity, they are often found in dental plaque and have been associated with periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Studies have also suggested a potential role of Dialister in the development of dental caries.

In the gastrointestinal tract, Dialister species have been detected in the fecal microbiota of healthy individuals. However, an overgrowth of Dialister has been observed in certain gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of Dialister in these conditions.

See Also

• Veillonellaceae
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Periodontal diseases
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colorectal cancer