Bisgaardia is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria in the family Pasteurellaceae. The genus was first described in 2011 following the isolation of Bisgaardia hudsonensis from marine mammals, including narwhals (Monodon monoceros) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). A second species, Bisgaardia miroungae, was later described from the oral cavity of a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris).
Etymology The genus name Bisgaardia honors Danish microbiologist Morten Bisgaard for his contributions to the taxonomy of the family Pasteurellaceae.
Characteristics Bisgaardia species are characterized by the following features: Gram-negative Rod-shaped or coccoid cells Non-motile Facultatively anaerobic Oxidase-positive and catalase-positive
Colonies are typically small, non-haemolytic, and greyish on blood agar.
Habitat and isolation Bisgaardia species have been isolated from the oral cavity and respiratory tract of marine mammals, including narwhals, beluga whales, and northern elephant seals.
Species Recognized species within the genus Bisgaardia include: Bisgaardia hudsonensis (type species) Bisgaardia miroungae
Significance Members of the genus are mainly associated with marine mammals, and their identification contributes to the understanding of the microbial ecology of these hosts and host-specific adaptation within the family Pasteurellaceae.
See also Pasteurellaceae Marine mammal microbiome
References
External links LPSN – Genus: Bisgaardia BacDive – Bisgaardia species profiles