Bacteria Genomes - BACILLUS CLAUSII

B. clausii is an alkali-tolerant species of bacillus. Alkaliphilic microorganisms are widely distributed in nature, but humans have increased the number of alkaline environments artifically in the last century through the widespread use of concrete, a relatively alkaline substance.

The family Bacillaceae are all Gram-positive , rod-shaped bacteria which form endospores.

B. clausii is being studied for use as a probiotic. The clinical benefits observed with probiotic use are mainly attributed to the antimicrobial substances produced by probiotic strains and to their immunomodulatory effects. Currently, the best-documented probiotic bacteria used in human therapy are lactic acid bacteria. Researchers have found that B. clausii strains release antimicrobial substances, these substances are noted to be active against Gram-positive bacteria, in particular against Staphylococcus aureus.

References:

Protein Eng. 10:627-634 (1997)
Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 43:473-481 (1995)
J. Ferment. Bioeng. 78:105-108 (1994)