Utilization of glucose and amino acids byBacteroides intermedius andBacteroides gingivalis

Growth ofBacteroides intermedius was promoted only moderately by glucose, and the incorporation of¹⁴C-glucose into cells was limited. WithBacteroides gingivalis growth promotion was negligible and glucose incorporation even more restricted. Both species grew prolifically on protein hydrolysates containing peptides, but grew poorly on acid-hydrolyzed casein even when supplemented with amino acids. These results are discussed in relation to the ecological distribution of these species compared to saccharolytic bacteroides.