Saprolittisiaceae

Saprolittisiaceae is a bacterial family within the order Burkholderiales in the class Betaproteobacteria. The family was first described by Kim and colleagues in 2018 based on genomic and phenotypic analyses of several strains isolated from aged soil and riverbank sediments. Members of the family are Gram-negative rods that display a moderate tolerance to environmental stresses, including desiccation and temperature extremes. They are typically aerobic and exhibit a range of metabolic capacities, including the degradation of complex polysaccharides and the utilization of simple carbon sources such as glucose and acetate.

Phylogenetic analysis places Saprolittisiaceae as a sister group to the families Gallionellaceae and Ralstonia. The type genus, Saprolittisia, is characterized by its ability to oxidize iron and reduce nitrate under microaerophilic conditions. Genomic sequencing has revealed a set of genes associated with biofilm formation and resistance to heavy metals, suggesting ecological adaptation to nutrient-poor, metal-laden habitats.

The etymology of the name derives from the Greek term 'saprolites', meaning weathered earth, reflecting the primary ecological niche from which the type strains were recovered. Currently, the family comprises a single described genus, Saprolittisia, though additional genera are anticipated as more environmental samples are examined.

Saprolittisiaceae has not been implicated in human disease and is considered non-pathogenic. Research on this family contributes to a broader understanding of microbial community dynamics in ancient soils and the biogeochemical cycling of iron and nitrogen.