A New Sulphate-Reducing Vibrio

Abstract

SUMMARY: An obligately anaerobic sulphate-reducing vibrio (NCIB 8382) isolated from soil from Singapore differs from known species of sulphate-reducing bacteria. The organism is relatively large, with one or two flagella, Gram-negative, lacks hydrogenase and pigments characteristic of Desulphovibrio desulphuricans, though an insoluble cytochrome is present. It grows with lactate or pyruvate, but is unable to metabolize acetate, propionate or butyrate; it reduces sulphate, sulphite or thio-sulphate but not tetrathionate. Sporulation is rare but has been observed. The name Desulphovibrio orientis is proposed for this organism.