Bilophila wadsworthii is a gram-negative, anaerobic, sulfur-reducing bacterium commonly found in the human gut in small amounts. It is capable of metabolizing bile acids and reducing sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gas that in excessive amounts can be toxic to gut epithelial cells and disrupt intestinal integrity. Elevated levels of Bilophila wadsworthii have been associated with inflammatory conditions such as colitis and may indicate a dysbiotic gut environment, especially in response to high-fat or high-animal protein diets. This bacterium is considered a potential pathobiont due to its ability to promote inflammation under certain conditions.
It's a sulfur-reducing bacterium in the gut microbiome that can metabolize bile and produce hydrogen sulfide gas.
To assess levels of sulfur-reducing bacteria, which can impact gut health and inflammation.
It may reflect dysbiosis, high sulfur intake, or an inflammatory state in the gut.
In excess, it can contribute to mucosal damage and inflammation, particularly in susceptible individuals or diets high in fat and sulfur.