Pseudovibrio

Pseudovibrio is a genus of bacteria in the class Alphaproteobacteria. Members are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and typically rod-shaped. They are predominantly associated with marine environments and have been isolated from seawater as well as various marine invertebrates.

Ecology and associations with hosts are a notable feature of Pseudovibrio. Several strains have been recovered from sponges and tunicates, where they can act as commensals or potential symbionts. In these contexts, Pseudovibrio species are of interest for their production of bioactive compounds that may contribute to host defense or microbial interactions within the host microbiome.

Physiology and metabolism are diverse among the genus. Pseudovibrio species are generally capable of metabolizing a range of organic substrates. Some strains have been reported to participate in nitrogen cycling, including denitrification, reflecting adaptation to nutrient-limited marine environments.

Genomics and diversity: Genomic analyses indicate a wide range of metabolic capabilities and a repertoire of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. This genomic versatility supports interest in Pseudovibrio as a source of novel natural products and as a model for studying host–microbe interactions in marine ecosystems.

Taxonomy and notable species: The genus comprises several described species, including Pseudovibrio denitrificans and Pseudovibrio ascidiacearum, both originally isolated from marine invertebrates. Ongoing taxonomic work continues to define the diversity and ecological roles of Pseudovibrio in marine environments.