Desulfovibrio desulfuricans AY5 Isolated from a Patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder Binds Iron in Low-Soluble Greigite and Pyrite

Abstract

The sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) of genus <i>Desulfovibrio</i> are a group of prokaryotes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The connection between the elevated numbers of <i>Desulfovibrio</i> in the gut of children with ASD compared with healthy children remains unresolved. A conceivable consequence of SRB overgrowth in the gut is the conversion of bioavailable iron into low-soluble crystalline iron sulphides, causing iron deficiency in the organism. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence and physiological features of the first cultivable isolate from a patient with ASD, <i>Desulfovibrio desulfuricans</i> strain AY5.The capability of the strain to produce crystalline iron sulphides was studied under different pH conditions. The most notable greigite(Fe₃S₄) and pyrite (FeS₂) formation was revealed at pH 6.0, which suggests that the iron loss due to insoluble sulphide formation may occur in the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract. Strain AY5 was adapted to grow under nitrogen-limiting conditions by N₂ fixation. The urease found in the strain's genome may play a role in resistance to acidic pH.