Pseudomonas stutzeri

Pseudomonas stutzeri

Pseudomonas stutzeri colonies on an agar plate

Pseudomonas stutzeri is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. It is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is known for its metabolic diversity and environmental versatility. P. stutzeri is commonly found in soil, water, and various clinical settings.

Characteristics

Pseudomonas stutzeri is characterized by its ability to grow in a wide range of environments. It is a non-fluorescent species of Pseudomonas and is motile due to the presence of polar flagella. The bacterium is capable of denitrification, a process that reduces nitrates to nitrogen gas, which is significant in the nitrogen cycle.

Morphology

P. stutzeri cells are typically rod-shaped and measure approximately 1-3 micrometers in length. They are Gram-negative, which means they do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. The colonies of P. stutzeri on agar plates are usually dry and wrinkled in appearance.

Metabolism

This bacterium is known for its metabolic versatility. It can utilize a wide range of organic compounds as carbon sources. P. stutzeri is an obligate aerobe, meaning it requires oxygen for growth, but it can also perform anaerobic respiration using nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor.

Ecology

Pseudomonas stutzeri is found in diverse environments, including soil, water, and sediments. It plays a role in the biogeochemical cycles, particularly in the nitrogen cycle through its denitrification activity. This bacterium is also found in association with plants and can promote plant growth by facilitating nutrient uptake.

Clinical Significance

Although Pseudomonas stutzeri is not a common human pathogen, it can be an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Infections caused by P. stutzeri are rare but can include bacteremia, endocarditis, and respiratory tract infections.

Related pages

• Pseudomonas
• Denitrification
• Nitrogen cycle
• Gram-negative bacteria