Sulfate-reducing bacteria of human intestine. I. Dissimilatory sulfate reduction

Modern literature data concerning sulfate-reducing bacteria of human intestine are summarized. The characterictics and mechanisms of dissimilatory sulfate reduction by these bacteria are described. Special attention is paid to the redox potentials of some electron donors and intermediate products of the dissimilatory sulfate reduction. The detailed characteristics of substrates for sulfate-reducing bacteria obtained from the intestine of man is presented. There are presented the most widespread concepts about the trophic interactions of studied bacteria with other microorganisms. The phylogenetic diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria is described. Keywords: sulfate-reducing bacteria, sulfate, hydrogen sulfide, intestinal microflora.