Article

The Presence of N2-fixing Bacteria in the Intestines of Man and Animals

  • Division of Plant Industry, C.S.I.R.O., Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia, and Nutrition Section, Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia
  • Journal of General Microbiology 1970; 60(1):61–65 · https://doi.org/10.1099/00221287-60-1-61

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    Abstract

    SUMMARY: Cultures of N2-fixing bacteria have been isolated from the intestinal contents of humans, pigs and guinea-pigs. Acetylene-reduction tests indicate that N2-fixation may be occurring in the intestines. Best N2-fixation was by cultures provisionally identified as Klebsiella aerogenes, but other genera were also involved. All cultures fixed more N2 anaerobically than aerobically but some fixation occurred when 20% O2 was present.