Characterization of Microaerobacter geothermalis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel microaerophilic, nitrate- and nitrite-reducing thermophilic bacterium isolated from a terrestrial hot spring in Tunisia.

A novel thermophilic anaerobic and microaerophilic bacterium (optimal growth in the presence of 5-10% O(2)), strain Nad S1(T) was isolated from the terrestrial hot spring of Hammam Sidi Jdidi, Nabeul, Tunisia. Cells were motile rods having a Gram-positive cell wall structure. Strain Nad S1(T) grew optimally at 55 degrees C (range 37-70 degrees C).