Akkermansia

Akkermansia is a genus in the phylum Verrucomicrobia (Bacteria). The genus was first proposed in 2004 by Muriel Derrien and others, with the type species Akkermansia muciniphila (gen. nov., sp. nov). The name Akkermansia derives from:New Latin feminine gender noun Akkermansia, named after Antoon DL Akkermans (28 October 1940 – 21 August 2006), a Dutch microbiologist recognized for his contribution to microbial ecology. Until 2016 the genus contained a single known species, namely A. muciniphila ( Derrien et al. 2004, (Type species of the genus).; New Latin neuter gender noun mucinum, mucin; New Latin adjective philus from Greek adjective philos (φίλος) meaning friend, loving; New Latin feminine gender adjective muciniphila, mucin-loving.)However, de Vos et. al. isolated a novel species in the feces of a reticulated python, Akkermansia glycaniphila. 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. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms12015 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.