Lysinibacillus sphaericus

Lysinibacillus sphaericus comprises a group of motile Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli. Members of this group are characterized by their terminal endospore, the capability to utilize acetate as the sole carbon source, and the presence of lysine and aspartic acid in their cell-wall peptidoglycan. Some L. sphaericus strains with larvicidal activity have been successfully used in vector-control programs against malaria, filariasis, yellow fever, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. Commercially available formulations containing L. sphaericus spores include JianBao®, VectoLex®, VectoMax®, Spherimos®, and Spicbiomoss®. L. sphaericus has other environmentally relevant capabilities, including degradation of organic contaminants such as hydrocarbons and dyes; promotion of plant growth via nitrogen fixation; production of indole acetic acid; and solubilization of silicates and phosphates – as measured by the enhanced germination of tomato, cucumber, and rice seeds – and the adsorption of toxic metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium) and precious metals (gold).