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Kumar et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:37 Microbiome Research
DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2024.28
Reports

Perspective Open Access

Akkermansia beyond muciniphila - emergence of
new species Akkermansia massiliensis sp. nov.

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1
Ritesh Kumar , Oliver Hasselwander , Helene Kane , Ashley A Hibberd 3
1
Health & Biosciences, International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF), Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
2
Health & Biosciences, IFF, c/o Danisco UK Ltd., Reigate RH2 9PW, UK.
3
Health & Biosciences, IFF, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Correspondence to: Ashley A Hibberd, Health & Biosciences, IFF, 4300 Duncan Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. E-mail:
Ashley.Hibberd@iff.com
How to cite this article: Kumar R, Hasselwander O, Kane H, Hibberd AA. Akkermansia beyond muciniphila - emergence of new
species Akkermansia massiliensis sp. nov. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:37. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2024.28

Received: 24 Apr 2024 First Decision: 31 May 2024 Revised: 18 Jun 2024 Accepted: 21 Jun 2024 Published: 25 Jun 2024
Academic Editors: Anneleen Segers, Marco Ventura Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
The human gut commensal Akkermansia muciniphila is the most studied bacterial species within the
Verrucomicrobiota phylum. It has been proposed as a beneficial next-generation probiotic for cardiometabolic and
immune health. Efforts from various research groups have resulted in the recent discovery of new species and/or
phylotypes of the genus Akkermansia. This highlighted the genetic and phenotypic diversity among the Akkermansia
isolates, providing an opportunity to identify novel mechanisms pertaining to health benefits. Genetic diversity
between strains warrants detailed investigation to determine beneficial Akkermansia strains. Akkermansia
massiliensis sp. nov. has emerged as the second most prevalent Akkermansia species in the human gut, with unique
properties and potential relevance for human health. In addition, indications of the co-existence of more than one
Akkermansia phylotype or species in a subject are intriguing. These new discoveries pave the way for additional
developments of effective and targeted Akkermansia species-based interventions to provide health benefits.

Keywords: Akkermansia muciniphila, Akkermansia massiliensis sp. nov., Akkermansia biwaensis cardiometabolic health

BACTERIAL SPECIES OF THE GENUS AKKERMANSIA
The genus Akkermansia belonging to the phylum Verrucomicrobiota of Gram-negative bacteria was first
described by scientists at the University of Wageningen, Netherlands, after isolation and characterization of

© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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