This research discusses the role of Alistipes, particularly Alistipes indistinctus, within the context of human health and disease. Alistipes indistinctus, a species primarily isolated from human feces, is noted for its potential protective and pathogenic roles across various conditions. It is characterized as gram-negative, rod-shaped, anaerobic, and non-spore-forming, and is non-motile. This species demonstrates susceptibility to 20% bile and is catalase-positive and urease- and nitrogen reductase-negative. The major metabolic end products in PYG broth for Alistipes indistinctus are succinic and acetic acid, and the major cellular fatty acid is iso-C15:0. The research highlights its presence in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy humans but also underscores its association with several diseases. The study specifically notes the contrasting evidence of its pathogenicity and protective roles, including implications in colorectal cancer and mental health disorders like depression. This underscores the complex interaction of Alistipes indistinctus within the human microbiome and its influence on health and disease dynamics, signaling the need for further investigation to unravel its exact role in human pathology and potential therapeutic applications.
Parker, B. J., Wearsch, P. A., et al. The genus Alistipes: gut bacteria with emerging implications to inflammation, cancer, and mental health. Frontiers in immunology. 2020, 11: 906. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
