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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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