Peptostreptococcales


Peptostreptococcales is an order of Gram-positive, endospore-forming, and predominantly strictly anaerobic bacteria within the class Clostridia.

Taxonomy

The order Peptostreptococcales encompasses three validly published families:Anaerovoracaceae Chuvochina et al. 2023Natronincolaceae Chuvochina et al. 2023Peptostreptococcaceae Ezaki 2010 emend. Chuvochina et al. 2023
These families contain diverse anaerobic species widely distributed in animal-associated and environmental microbiomes.

Physiology and ecology

Peptostreptococcales members are anaerobic fermenters of carbohydrates and amino acids, often producing short-chain fatty acids such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate. Spore formation enables survival in challenging environments and facilitates transmission.

Clinical significance

Several species within the order are medically significant, notably Clostridioides difficile, an important human pathogen responsible for severe gastrointestinal infections associated with antibiotic usage.