Tetrathiobacter

Tetrathiobacter is a genus of bacteria in the family Comamonadaceae. It is a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped bacterium. The genus was first described in 2007, and currently includes two species: Tetrathiobacter kashmirensis and Tetrathiobacter mimigardefordensis.

Characteristics

The bacteria of the genus Tetrathiobacter are Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and non-spore-forming. They are chemoheterotrophic, meaning they obtain their energy by oxidizing chemical compounds, and they require organic substrates to get their carbon for growth and development.

Species

The genus Tetrathiobacter currently includes two recognized species:

• Tetrathiobacter kashmirensis - This species was first isolated from the soil of a saffron field in Kashmir, India. It is capable of reducing sulfate to sulfide, a process known as sulfate reduction.

• Tetrathiobacter mimigardefordensis - This species was first isolated from a wastewater treatment plant in Germany. It is capable of reducing thiosulfate to sulfide, a process known as thiosulfate reduction.

Ecology

Tetrathiobacter species are found in various environments, including soil and wastewater. They play a role in the sulfur cycle, as they are capable of reducing sulfate and thiosulfate to sulfide.

Clinical significance

While Tetrathiobacter species are not typically pathogenic, they may have potential applications in bioremediation, due to their ability to reduce sulfate and thiosulfate.

See also

• List of bacterial genera
• Comamonadaceae
• Sulfur bacteria