Prevotella bacteria, illustration - stock illustration

Prevotella bacteria, computer illustration. Prevotella are Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod to coccobacillus shaped, prokaryote (bacterium). One of the common species is Prevotella melaninogenica, formerly known as Bacteroides melaninogenicus. Prevotella melaninogenica is generally found in the oral cavity causing opportunistic infections in humans. However it can also be found in others areas of the body, such as the intestine, where opportunistic infections can occur. Prevotella melaninogenica is found in the rumen of cattle and sheep where it helps to break down protein and carbohydrates. It can coaggregate with other Gram-positive oral bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinomyces viscosus causing oral infections.