Definition

Noun: * A family of bacteria that typically live in the alimentary canal or on the mucous surfaces of warm-blooded animals. These bacteria are sometimes associated with acute infective processes.

Usage

• The term "Bacteroidaceae" is a scientific, taxonomic name used in microbiology and medicine. It refers to a specific family within the domain Bacteria.
• It is used in contexts discussing gut flora, human microbiota, and certain types of infections.

Examples

• In a scientific paper: "The composition of the family in the gut microbiome was significantly altered by the antibiotic treatment."
• In a medical textbook: "Infections caused by members of the family often require specific antibiotic regimens."

Advanced Usage

• In clinical settings, bacteria from this family are often discussed as part of the "Bacteroides fragilis group," which are common anaerobic pathogens.
• Research into the human microbiome frequently quantifies the relative abundance of compared to other bacterial families like Lachnospiraceae or Ruminococcaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Bacteroides (noun): A major genus within the family Bacteroidaceae. This is the form most commonly encountered in non-taxonomic medical and scientific writing.
  • Example: "Bacteroides species are predominant anaerobic bacteria in the human colon."
• Bacteroidal (adjective): Relating to or resembling bacteria of this family.
• Bacteroid (noun): Can refer to a rod-shaped bacterium, especially one of the genus .

Synonyms

• There are no direct common-language synonyms for this taxonomic family name. In general medical contexts, it may be loosely grouped under:
  • Anaerobic gram-negative rods
  • Gut microbiota (when referring to their non-pathogenic, commensal role)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary and only meaning of "Bacteroidaceae" is as a taxonomic family name in bacteriology. It does not have figurative or everyday meanings.

Noun

1. family of bacteria living usually in the alimentary canal or on mucous surfaces of warm-blooded animals; sometimes associated with acute infective processes