Akkermansia


Akkermansia is a genus in the phylum Verrucomicrobia. The genus was first proposed in 2004 by Muriel Derrien and others, with the type species Akkermansia muciniphila.

Etymology

The name Akkermansia derives from:
New Latin feminine gender noun Akkermansia, named after Anton DL Akkermans, a Dutch microbiologist recognized for his contribution to microbial ecology.

Species

Until 2016 the genus contained a single known species, namely A. muciniphila.; New Latin neuter gender noun mucinum, mucin; New Latin adjective philus from Greek adjective ''philos
However, de Vos et al. isolated a novel species in the feces of a reticulated python, Akkermansia glycaniphila.

Description of ''Akkermansia'' gen. nov.


Akkermansia. Cells are oval-shaped, non-motile and stain Gram-negative. Strictly anaerobic. Chemo-organotrophic. Mucolytic in pure culture.

Human metabolism

Akkermansia muciniphila can reside in the human intestinal tract and is currently being studied for its effects on human metabolism. Recently performed studies in rodents have indicated that Akkermansia muciniphila in the intestinal tract may reduce obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Increases in Akkermansia muciniphila have been associated with multiple sclerosis. Findings from an internationally collaborative human twin study reported in February 2016 indicate that a decrease in Akkermansia muciniphila c is associated with the increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.