Potential Protective or Pathogenic Roles of Parabacteroides distasonis in Diseases: A Narrative Review

Abstract Parabacteroides distasonis is a gram-negative, non–spore-forming, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium, and an important gut colonizer first isolated from human feces in 1933. Over more than 90 years of research, P. distasonis has been found to be associated with liver diseases such as liver fibrosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis and colorectal tumors, and metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, potentially playing a protective or pathogenic role in the occurrence and progression of these diseases. Herein, we elaborate on the biological characteristics, antibiotic resistance and potential roles of P. distasonis in these diseases, aiming to provide researchers with comprehensive information about P. distasonis and promote in-depth investigations into its safety and protective effects.