Oxalobacter formigenes
, a unique anaerobic bacterium that relies solely on oxalate for growth, is a key oxalate-degrading bacterium in the mammalian intestinal tract. Degradation of oxalate in the gut by
O. formigenes
plays a critical role in preventing renal toxicity in animals that feed on oxalate-rich plants. The role of
O. formigenes
in reducing the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease and oxalate nephropathy in humans is less clear, in part due to difficulties in culturing this organism, and the lack of studies which have utilized diets controlled in their content of oxalate. Herein, we review the literature on the 40
th
anniversary of the discovery of
O. formigenes
, with a focus on its biology, its role in gut oxalate metabolism and calcium oxalate kidney stone disease, and potential areas of future research. Results from ongoing clinical trials utilizing
O. formigenes
in healthy volunteers and in patients with Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1), a rare but severe form of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease, will also be discussed. Information has been consolidated on
O. formigenes
strains and best practices to culture this bacterium, which should serve as a good resource for researchers.
40 Years of
Oxalobacter formigenes
, a Gutsy Oxalate-Degrading Specialist
