Coprococcus
Coprococcus: A Keystone Gut Microbe with a Profound Impact
Description:
Coprococcus, a member of the Ruminococcaceae family, is a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium predominantly found in the human gastrointestinal tract. Its name, derived from the Greek words "copros" (dung) and "coccus" (sphere), alludes to its abundance in fecal matter.
Coprococcus is characterized by its rod-shaped morphology and its ability to ferment several carbohydrates, including glucose, fructose, and xylose. It also produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, through its metabolic activities.
Associated Diseases:
Coprococcus has been implicated in various diseases, including:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Studies have found that individuals with IBD, particularly Crohn‘s disease, have a reduced abundance of Coprococcus in their gut microbiome.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Coprococcus has been associated with IBS, with some studies suggesting that certain strains may play a role in its symptom severity.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Coprococcus has been linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Did you Know ?
In a study of over 1,000 individuals, researchers found that people with higher levels of Coprococcus in their gut microbiome had a 20% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
