Desulfovibrio desulfuricans is a Gram-negative sulfate-reducing bacteria. It is generally found in soil, water, and the stools of animals, although in rare cases it has been found to cause infection in humans.^[2] It is particularly noted for its ability to produce methyl mercury.^[3] The reductive glycine pathway, a seventh route for organisms to capture CO₂, was discovered in this species.^[4] Since these bacteria are killed by exposure to atmospheric oxygen, the environmental niches most frequently occupied by these bacteria are anaerobic.^[5] Desulfovibrio desulfuricans 27774 was reported to produce gene transfer agents.^[6][vague]

Desulfovibrio desulfuricans has been described as a motile, rod-shaped, Gram-negative obligate anaerobe with polar flagella. It measures approximately 3 μm by 0.5 μm.^[7]