Nitrosovibrio

Nitrosovibrio is a genus of bacteria belonging to the phylum Pseudomonadota. These microorganisms are Gram-negative and are motile, typically possessing a single polar flagellum. The genus was first described by Watson et al. in 1975. Nitrosovibrio are obligate chemolithoautotrophs, meaning they obtain energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds and fix carbon dioxide as their sole carbon source. Specifically, they are known for their ability to oxidize nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-), a key step in the nitrification process in soil and aquatic environments. This metabolic capability places them within the group of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. They are typically found in environments where nitrification occurs, such as soils, freshwater, and marine sediments. Reproduction in Nitrosovibrio occurs asexually through binary fission. While their ecological role in the nitrogen cycle is significant, they are not generally associated with pathogenicity. Further research continues to explore the diversity and specific metabolic pathways of Nitrosovibrio species.