The main difference between Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii is that Lactobacillus is a non-spore-forming bacterium, whereas Bacillus clausii is a spore-forming bacterium.
Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii are two types of probiotic bacteria that are microorganisms that give health benefits when consumed. They occur in yogurt, fermented foods, and beauty products, dietary supplements.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lactobacillus
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Bacillus Clausii
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Lactobacillus, Bacillus clausii
What is Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that is rod-shaped. The main feature of Lactobacillus is that it is a non-spore-forming bacterium. The other significant feature is that it is a type of probiotic bacteria that occurs in the human gut, vagina, mouth, and some other foods. The main function of Lactobacillus in the gut is to break down food and absorb nutrients. Therefore, Lactobacillus is added to fermented food like yogurt.
Figure 1: Lactobacillus
Furthermore, Lactobacillus is also used as an antibiotic that is important for diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). On the other hand, it is important for the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina and for the bacterial infections caused by Helicobacter pylori. In addition, Lactobacillus is important for hay fever, eczema, acne, and many other conditions.
What is Bacillus Clausii
Bacillus clausii is a motile bacterium that is rod-shaped. However, the main feature of this bacterium is the formation of spores. Bacillus clausii lives in the soil. In addition, it lives in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract in the form of natural flora. It is a probiotic organism that maintains a symbiotic relationship with the host. Bacillus clausii causes respiratory infections as well as some gastrointestinal disorders.
Figure 2: Bacillus clausii
Moreover, Bacillus clausii is a Gram-positive bacterium that produces antimicrobial substances against other Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, and Enterococcus faecium. On the other hand, Bacillus clausii has a small genome with a size of 4.30 Mbp. This genome contains 4,108 protein-coding genes. Recently, the genus of the Bacillus clausii changes its name to the genus Alkalihalobacillus. Therefore, the correct name for Bacillus clausii is Alkalihalobacillus clausii.
Similarities Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii
- Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii are two types of probiotics.
- They occur in fermented food, yogurt, dietary supplements, and beauty products.
- Furthermore, they are Gram-positive bacteria.
- Both are rod-shaped bacteria.
- Moreover, both bacteria are motile.
- They are aerotolerant anaerobes.
- Both belong to the natural flora of the gastrointestinal tract of mammals.
- In addition, both are important as anti-diarrhea medicines.
Difference Between Lactobacillus and Bacillus Clausii
Definition
Lactobacillus refers to a rod-shaped bacterium that produces lactic acid from the fermentation of carbohydrates, while Bacillus clausii refers to Gram-positive, motile, spore-forming and like most of the Bacillus bacteria, it is rod-shaped.
Formation of Spores
Lactobacillus is a non-spore-forming bacterium, while Bacillus clausii forms spores.
Occurrence
Moreover, Lactobacillus mainly occurs in the form of live and dormant cells, while Bacillus clausii occurs in the form of spores.
Conclusion
In brief, Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii are two types of probiotic bacteria that naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals. Both types of bacteria are rod-shaped. Lactobacillus is a lactic acid fermenting bacterium. It is a non-spore-forming bacterium that mainly occurs in the form of living and dormant cells. In contrast, Bacillus clausii is another spore-forming bacterium. It is Gram-positive and rod-shaped bacterium. However, the main difference between Lactobacillus and Bacillus clausii is the formation of spores.
References:
- “Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD, WebMD,
- “Bacillus clausii.” An overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2022,
Image Courtesy:
- “Lactobacillus sp 01” By Janice Carr – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Bacillus clausii Enterogermina” By Giraffe Gregor – Own Work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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