biostudies-literatureUnknown8(11)Lugli GAMembers of the <i>Bifidobacterium dentium</i> species are usually identified in the oral cavity of humans and associated with the development of plaque and dental caries. Nevertheless, they have also been detected from fecal samples, highlighting a widespread distribution among mammals. To explore the genetic variability of this species, we isolated and sequenced the genomes of 18 different <i>B. dentium</i> strains collected from fecal samples of several primate species and an <i>Ursus arctos</i>. Thus, we investigated the genomic variability and metabolic abilities of the new <i>B. dentium</i> isolates together with 20 public genome sequences. Comparative genomic analyses provided insights into the vast metabolic repertoire of the species, highlighting 19 glycosyl hydrolases families shaMicroorganismsE1720https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7693768biostudies-literatureDecoding the Genomic Variability among Members of the <i>Bifidobacterium</i> <i>dentium</i> Species.PMC7693768Milani CNeuzil-Bunesova VTurroni FMancabelli LMargolles AVentura MAlessandri GLugli GATarracchini CRuiz LfalseDecoding the Genomic Variability among Members of the <i>Bifidobacterium</i> <i>dentium</i> Species.Members of the <i>Bifidobacterium dentium</i> species are usually identified in the oral cavity of humans and associated with the development of plaque and dental caries. Nevertheless, they have also been detected from fecal samples, highlighting a widespread distribution among mammals. To explore the genetic variability of this species, we isolated and sequenced the genomes of 18 different <i>B. dentium</i> strains collected from fecal samples of several primate species and an <i>Ursus arctos</i>. Thus, we investigated the genomic variability and metabolic abilities of the new <i>B. dentium</i> isolates together with 20 public genome sequences. Comparative genomic analyses provided insights into the vast metabolic repertoire of the species, highlighting 19 glycosyl hydrolases families sha2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Nov2026-04-08T01:02:20.966Z2021-02-20T00:55:47ZS-EPMC76937683315299410.3390/microorganisms8111720