Alkalihalobacillus clausii explained

Alkalihalobacillus clausii or its old scientific name Bacillus clausii is a rod-shaped, motile, and spore-forming bacterium that lives in the soil but is also a natural microbiota of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. It is classified as probiotic microorganism that maintains a symbiotic relationship with the host organism. It is currently being studied in relation to respiratory infections^[1] and some gastrointestinal disorders.^[2] Bacillus clausii has been found to produce antimicrobial substances that are active against gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium and Clostridium difficile.^[3] It is sold as an anti-diarrhoea and under the brand name Erceflora by Sanofi.^[4]

This species has been recently transferred into the genus Alkalihalobacillus.^[5] The correct nomenclature is thus Alkalihalobacillus clausii.

The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) warns about serious risks for bacteraemia and sepsis due to previous publications. PRAC stipulates marketing conditions for Bacillus clausii. Amendments to be included in the relevant sections of the Product Information (new text underlined and in bold) including

1 Bacteraemia (in immunocompromised patients)

2 In case of reduced body’s defence mechanisms and you are taking (product name)Bacillus clausii may be found in your blood.^[6]

On Children’s Day 2023, Erceflora Kiddie probiotic brand partnered with Save the Children through the #BatangMatatag Campaign. Erceflora announced it would donate percentage of the sale to the DepEd Campaign.^[7]

Genome structure

Alkalihalobacillus clausii has a relatively small genome that contains 4.30 Mbp with 4,108 protein coding genes.^[3]

External links

• • Bacillus clausii
• Type strain of Bacillus clausii at BacDive - the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase

Notes and References

1. Marseglia GL, Tosca M, Cirillo I . Efficacy of Bacillus clausii spores in the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children: a pilot study. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 3. 1. 13–7. March 2007. 18360611. 1936284. 10.2147/tcrm.2007.3.1.13. etal . free .
2. Gabrielli M, Lauritano EC, Scarpellini E . Bacillus clausii as a treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The American Journal of Gastroenterology . 104. 5. 1327–8. May 2009. 19352343. 10.1038/ajg.2009.91. 7920293. etal.
3. Urdaci . MC . Bressollier . P . Pinchuk . I . Bacillus clausii probiotic strains: antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities . Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology . 38 . 6 Suppl . S86–90 . Jul 2004 . 10.1097/01.mcg.0000128925.06662.69. 15220667 . 8725033 .
4. Web site: Bacillus clausii. . 8 April 2022 .
5. Patel. Sudip. Gupta. Radhey S.. 2020-01-01. A phylogenomic and comparative genomic framework for resolving the polyphyly of the genus Bacillus: Proposal for six new genera of Bacillus species, Peribacillus gen. nov., Cytobacillus gen. nov., Mesobacillus gen. nov., Neobacillus gen. nov., Metabacillus gen. nov. and Alkalihalobacillus gen. nov.. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 70. 1. 406–438. 10.1099/ijsem.0.003775. 31617837. 1466-5026. free.
6. PRAC Bacillus Clausii multi antibiotic resistant spores. 2017. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/psusa/bacillus-clausii-multi-antibioresistant-spores-cmdh-scientific-conclusions-grounds-variation/00000284/201611_en.pdf
7. News: 'Batang Matatag' campaign upholds mission to invest in every Filipino child’s future. August 18, 2024 . . December 14, 2023.