Prevotella histicola

bacterium

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Prevotella histicola is a type of bacterium that is part of the human microbiome. The human microbiome is the collection of all microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that live on and in the human body. Bacteria are the most numerous members of this community.

Scientists have observed an increased abundance of Prevotella bacteria, including P. histicola, in individuals who are obese compared to those who are of normal weight. This suggests that these microorganisms may be more efficient at harvesting carbohydrates from food, leading to increased fat storage. Further research into the human microbiome is expected to provide more insights into human physiology and nutrition.1

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For example, Prevotella histicola is present in both healthy and cancerous oral tissues and generates acidic metabolites, such as acetic acid and lactic acid, which can damage tooth enamel.
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For example, Prevotella histicola is present in both healthy and cancerous oral tissues and generates acidic metabolites, such as acetic acid and lactic acid, which can damage tooth enamel.
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human microbiome
The role of the human microbiota
…detected an increased abundance of Prevotella and Firmicutes bacteria and of methanogenic (methane-producing) archaea in obese individuals relative to normal-weight persons and persons who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. Scientists suspect that these microorganisms are more efficient at harvesting carbohydrates from food than are the types of microorganisms that dominate…
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…detected an increased abundance of Prevotella and Firmicutes bacteria and of methanogenic (methane-producing) archaea in obese individuals relative to normal-weight persons and persons who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. Scientists suspect that these microorganisms are more efficient at harvesting carbohydrates from food than are the types of microorganisms that dominate…
Read More