Peptoniphilus are gram positive anaerobic cocci that were formerly classified in the genus Peptostreptococcus. They are non-saccharolytic, use peptone as a major energy source and produce butyrate.

Peptoniphilus bacteria, in small numbers, comprise normal components of our genital and urinary tracts, possibly from the time we are infants.

They colonize the the genitalia of both men and women and are, in men, more likely to live on uncircumcised penises.

 

This genus is part of the vaginal and gut microbiota. They have been reported to as present in diabetic skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, surgical site infections, chorioamnionitis and bloodstream infections. They are typically found as part of polymicrobial infections but are difficult to recover with usual clinical cultures. Most healthy women have primarily Lactobacilli colonizing their vaginas, a large minority have a more diverse genital microbiome (of which Peptoniphilus is a part). Although there is some evidence that women without Lactobacilli dominating that part of their microbiome may be more susceptible to Bacterial Vaginosis, healthy women come in all varieties, and most of those with diverse vaginal flora are no less healthy than anyone else.

• PMID 9103655

• PMID 11491354

• PMID 24390920

• PMID 24773457