Rodentibacter

Rodentibacter is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria in the family Pasteurellaceae. Members of this genus are facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacteria primarily associated with rodents, including laboratory mice and rats. The genus was first proposed in 2017 after phylogenetic studies showed that several former Pasteurella species and novel isolates formed a distinct clade.

Etymology

The name Rodentibacter is derived from the Latin word rodens and the Greek word baktērion. It reflects both the host group and the bacterial morphology.

Characteristics

Rodentibacter species typically exhibit the following traits:

They are part of the normal microbiota of rodents, particularly in the respiratory and urogenital tracts, but may also act as opportunistic pathogens.

Species

As of 2025, the genus Rodentibacter includes the following validly published species:Rodentibacter abscessusRodentibacter caecimuris Rodentibacter haemolyticusRodentibacter heidelbergensisRodentibacter mraziiRodentibacter myodisRodentibacter pneumotropicusRodentibacter rarusRodentibacter rattiRodentibacter trehalosifermentans
Rodentibacter heylii is now considered a later heterotypic synonym of Rodentibacter caecimuris.

Significance

Species of Rodentibacter are important in laboratory animal microbiology and veterinary medicine. Some species are part of the normal microbiota, while others may be implicated in infections, particularly in immunocompromised or stressed animals.