Synergistetes

Synergistetes is a phylum of anaerobic, Gram negative bacteria found in habitats ranging from wastewater and animal digestive tracts to natural hot springs and oil wells. Many described members ferment amino acids for energy, and several are found living alongside other bacteria in cooperative communities, an observation from early studies that gave the phylum its name. Some Synergistetes species are associated with the human oral cavity and gut and have been studied for a possible role in periodontal disease.