Lonepinella koalarum

Lonepinella koalarum is a species of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria within the family Pasteurellaceae. It is the only species described in the genus Lonepinella and was first isolated from the feces of healthy koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queensland, Australia.

Morphology and physiology

Lonepinella koalarum is a rod-shaped bacterium that grows optimally at approximately 37 °C on Columbia blood agar. It is catalase-negative, with variable oxidase activity reported.

Ecological role

Lonepinella koalarum functions as a symbiont in koalas, primarily involved in degrading tannin-protein complexes in Eucalyptus leaves, which are a central dietary component for koalas. Its presence supports healthy gut microbiota, particularly during antibiotic treatments.

Clinical significance

Though predominantly commensal in koalas, L. koalarum has been identified in wound infections in humans resulting from koala bites. Standard microbiological tests often fail to detect this bacterium, requiring molecular methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing for accurate identification. Treatment usually involves surgical management coupled with antibiotic therapy.