- Volume 56, Issue 6, 2006

During the course of a phylogenetic evaluation of Saccharothrix strains held in the ARS Culture Collection, it was discovered that Saccharothrix coeruleoviolacea NRRL B-24058T is unrelated to other species within this genus, and a polyphasic study was undertaken to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain NRRL B-24058T is observed to be phylogenetically separate from the genus Saccharothrix and is most closely related to the genus Actinoalloteichus. The strain exhibits chemotaxonomic properties that distinguish it from members of Actinoalloteichus, including a whole-cell sugar pattern consisting of galactose and ribose as diagnostic sugars, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine containing 2-OH fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol as the predominant polar lipids and MK-9(H4) and MK-10(H4) as the only menaquinones observed. Strain NRRL B-24058T is distinct from other taxa within the suborder Pseudonocardineae and a new genus to be named Goodfellowia gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of this new genus is Goodfellowia coeruleoviolacea gen. nov., comb. nov., and the type strain is NRRL B-24058T (=DSM 43935T=INA 3564T=JCM 9110T=NBRC 14988T=VKM Ac-1083T).

Strain DSM 17733T, isolated from the shore of Lake Abjata in Ethiopia, is a heterotrophic, alkaliphilic, moderately halophilic, Gram-positive, strictly aerobic, non-motile,non-endospore-forming bacterium. The organism grows optimally at 30–37 °C, pH 9 and 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Analysis of the cell wall showed the presence of murein of the type l-lys–gly–l-Glu, variation A4α. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.0 mol%. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain DSM 17733T placed the isolate in the genus Nesterenkonia. DNA–DNA hybridization of DSM 17733T with those organisms with the closest phylogenetic affiliation, i.e. Nesterenkonia halobia, Nesterenkonia lacusekhoensis and Nesterenkonia xinjiangensis, gave relatedness values of 48.5 %, 63.7 % (repetition, 57.2 %) and 35.7 % (repetition, 29.3 %), respectively. On the basis of both phenotypic and phylogenetic criteria and the low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness with the phylogenetically closest species N. xinjiangensis and N. halobia, it is proposed that the isolate be classified in a novel species, Nesterenkonia aethiopica sp. nov. The type strain is DSM 17733T (=CCUG 48939T).

The taxonomic status of an actinobacterial strain isolated from Mariana Trench sediment was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain, isolate MT1.1T, formed a distinct clade in the Micrococcineae 16S rRNA gene tree together with Dermacoccus nishinomiyaensis DSM 20448T. The organism had chemical and phenotypic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Dermacoccus and could be distinguished from D. nishinomiyaensis DSM 20448T using DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic data. The G+C content of the DNA of isolate MT1.1T was 65.2 mol%. It is evident that the organism merits recognition as a novel species in the genus Dermacoccus. The name proposed for this taxon is Dermacoccus abyssi sp. nov.; the type strain is MT1.1T (=DSM 17573T=NCIMB 14084T). The organism grows well at 40 MPa and hence is piezotolerant.

The taxonomic position of ten acidophilic actinomycetes isolated from an acidic rice-field soil was established using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequences determined for the isolates were aligned with corresponding sequences of representatives of the genera Kitasatospora, Streptacidiphilus and Streptomyces and phylogenetic trees were inferred using four tree-making algorithms. The isolates had identical sequences and formed a distinct branch at the periphery of the Streptacidiphilus 16S rRNA gene tree. The chemotaxonomic and morphological properties of representative isolates were consistent with their assignment to the genus Streptacidiphilus. The isolates shared nearly identical phenotypic profiles that readily distinguished them from representatives of the established species of Streptacidiphilus. It is evident from the genotypic and phenotypic data that the isolates form a homogeneous group that corresponds to a novel species in the genus Streptacidiphilus. The name proposed for this new taxon is Streptacidiphilus oryzae sp. nov.; the type strain is strain TH49T (=CGMCC 4.2012T=JCM 13271T).

A novel marine actinomycete, designated strain KST3-3T, which was isolated from a sediment sample of the coast of Jeju, Korea, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The organism was characterized morphologically by the formation of motile, coccoid cells. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that the organism was related to the genera Kineosporia and Kineococcus, and members of the suborder Frankineae, and occupied the deepest branch outside a taxon encompassing members of the genus Kineococcus. The organism showed relatively low levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the genera Kineococcus (93.0–93.4 %) and Kineosporia (93.1–93.8 %). The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, albeit with a slightly higher level of sequence similarity to members of the genus Kineosporia, supported its classification within the genus Kineococcus. On the basis of the polyphasic data presented, it was evident that the organism should be assigned to a novel species of the genus Kineococcus, for which the name Kineococcus marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain KST3-3T (=KCCM 42250T=NRRL B-24439T).

Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and chemotaxonomic features of Arthrobacter duodecadis Lochhead 1958 indicated that the bacterium belonged within the genus Tetrasphaera. A. duodecadis IAM 14868T could be distinguished from other species by the presence of 3-hydroxy meso-diaminopimelic acid in the peptidoglycan and a series of 10-methyl fatty acids. In addition, DNA–DNA relatedness studies indicated that the strain belonged to a genomic species that could be readily distinguished from its nearest neighbours, the type strains of Tetrasphaera elongata, Tetrasphaera japonica and Tetrasphaera australiensis. These features support our proposal to reclassify A. duodecadis in the genus Tetrasphaera, as Tetrasphaera duodecadis comb. nov. The type strain is IAM 14868T (=NBRC 12959T=ATCC 13347T=NCIMB 9222T). An emended description of the genus Tetrasphaera is given.

Symbiotic interactions with bacteria are essential for the survival and reproduction of many insects. The European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum, Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) engages in a highly specific association with bacteria of the genus Streptomyces that appears to protect beewolf offspring against infection by pathogens. Using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, the bacteria were located in the antennal glands of female wasps, where they form dense cell clusters. Using genetic methods, closely related streptomycetes were found in the antennae of 27 Philanthus species (including two subspecies of P. triangulum from distant localities). In contrast, no endosymbionts could be detected in the antennae of other genera within the subfamily Philanthinae (Aphilanthops, Clypeadon and Cerceris). On the basis of morphological, genetic and ecological data, ‘Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi’ is proposed. 16S rRNA gene sequence data are provided for 28 ecotypes of ‘Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi’ that reside in different host species and subspecies of the genus Philanthus. Primers for the selective amplification of ‘Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi’ and an oligonucleotide probe for specific detection by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are described.

Several halophilic archaea belonging to the genus Halococcus were isolated from stromatolites from Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia, collected during field trips in 1996 and 2002. This is the first incidence of halophilic archaea being isolated from this environment. Stromatolites are biosedimentary structures that have been formed throughout the earth's evolutionary history and have been preserved in the geological record for over 3 billion years. The stromatolites from Hamelin Pool, Western Australia, are the only known example of extant stromatolites forming in hypersaline coastal environments. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences and morphology, the isolates belong to the genus Halococcus. Strain 100NA1, isolated from stromatolites collected in 2002, was closely related to strain 100A6T that was isolated from the stromatolites collected in 1996, with a DNA–DNA hybridization value of 94±8 %. DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain 100A6T with Halococcus morrhuae NRC 16008 and Halococcus saccharolyticus ATCC 49257T were 17±6 and 11±7 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain 100A6T was 60.5 mol% (T m). The main polar lipid was S-DGA-1, a sulphated glycolipid that has been detected in all strains of the genus Halococcus. Whole-cell protein profiles, enzyme composition and utilization of various carbon sources were distinct from those of all previously characterized Halococcus species. The recognition of this strain as representing a novel species within the genus Halococcus is justified, and the name Halococcus hamelinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 100A6T (=JCM 12892T=ACM 5227T).

A Gram-negative, almost straight, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated CL-GP79T, was isolated from a highly eutrophic pond located within the campus of Seoul National University, Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain CL-GP79T belongs to the family Flexibacteraceae, with Flectobacillus major as its closest relative (similarity of 95.7 %). The cellular fatty acids consist mainly of C16 : 1 ω5c (mean±sd, 26.9±10.8 %), iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c (19.2±2.3 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (12.1±1.3 %). The DNA G+C content was found to be 38.3 mol%. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain CL-GP79T could be assigned to the genus Flectobacillus, but could be distinguished from F. major. The strain CL-GP79T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Flectobacillus lacus sp. nov. is proposed, with CL-GP79T (=KCCM 42271T=JCM 13398T) as the type strain.

Two psychrophilic flavobacteria, designated AT1042T and AT1048T, were isolated from terrestrial samples from the Antarctic. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses indicated a close relationship of these isolates to Flavobacterium flevense (96.9 % similarity for strain AT1042T) and Flavobacterium psychrolimnae (97.0 % for strain AT1048T). Cells were non-motile and non-gliding. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Both isolates were psychrophilic, with an optimum and maximum growth temperature of about 15 and 20 °C, respectively. The major isoprenoid quinone, predominant cellular fatty acids and DNA G+C contents (35–37 mol%) were consistent with the placement of the Antarctic isolates in the genus Flavobacterium. Phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and several phenotypic characteristics could be used to differentiate these isolates from recognized Flavobacterium species. Despite high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.9 %) between strains AT1042T and AT1048T, they represented two distinct species as demonstrated by low genomic relatedness (34 %) and a number of differential phenotypic characters. The polyphasic data presented in this study indicated that the new isolates should be classified within two novel species in the genus Flavobacterium. The names Flavobacterium weaverense sp. nov. (type strain AT1042T=IMSNU 14048T=KCTC 12223T=JCM 12384T) and Flavobacterium segetis sp. nov. (type strain AT1048T=IMSNU 14050T=KCTC 12224T=JCM 12385T) are proposed for these Antarctic isolates.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, slightly halophilic bacterial strain, DSW-5T, was isolated from seawater off Dokdo, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. It grew optimally at 25–28 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain DSW-5T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids and an amino-group-containing lipid. The DNA G+C content was 30.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DSW-5T was most closely related to the genus Polaribacter. Similarity values between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain DSW-5T and the type strains of recognized Polaribacter species were in the range 96.2–96.8 %. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain DSW-5T (=KCTC 12392T=DSM 17204T) was classified in the genus Polaribacter as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Polaribacter dokdonensis sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated DS-27T, was isolated from a soil sample, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C and in the presence of 0–0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain DS-27T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 39.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DS-27T is most closely related to the genus Pedobacter of the family Sphingobacteriaceae. Similarity values between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain DS-27T and the type strains of recognized Pedobacter species ranged from 90.6 to 95.5 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, were sufficient to categorize strain DS-27T as representing a species that is separate from recognized Pedobacter species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain DS-27T (=KCTC 12559T=CIP 108922T) was classified in the genus Pedobacter as a member of a novel species, for which the name Pedobacter sandarakinus sp. nov. is proposed.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on three isolates of an unknown Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped organism isolated from raw sewage. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that these strains were members of the Bergeyella–Chryseobacterium–Riemerella branch of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from reference strains by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical tests. The organism contained menaquinone MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone and had a DNA G+C content of 31 mol%. A most probable number-PCR approach was developed to detect, and estimate the numbers of, this organism. Untreated wastewater from one plant yielded an estimated count of 1.4×105 cells ml−1, and untreated wastewater from a second plant yielded an estimated count of 1.4×104 cells ml−1. Signal was not detected from treated effluent or from human stool specimens. On the basis of the results of the study presented, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified in a novel genus Cloacibacterium, as Cloacibacterium normanense gen. nov., sp. nov., which is also the type species. The type strain of Cloacibacterium normanense is strain NRS1T (=CCUG 46293T=CIP 108613T=ATCC BAA-825T=DSM 15886T).

Four isolates from freshly caught fish samples obtained from the South Atlantic Ocean off the South African coastline were shown to represent a novel species in the genus Chryseobacterium by means of a polyphasic taxonomic study. The four isolates had virtually identical whole-cell protein profiles, fatty acid profiles and biochemical properties. Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence of strain LMG 23089T revealed 99.3 and 98.9 % similarity to the 16S rRNA sequences of the type strains of Chryseobacterium balustinum and Chryseobacterium scophthalmum, respectively. Strain LMG 23089T and the C. balustinum and C. scophthalmum type strains formed a stable lineage supported by a bootstrap value of 100 %. The levels of DNA–DNA hybridization towards these nearest phylogenetic neighbours were below 57 %. The absence of growth on MacConkey agar or at 37 °C (on nutrient agar), the capacity to grow in the presence of 5 % NaCl and the production of urease activity differentiate this novel taxon from C. balustinum and C. scophthalmum. The four isolates are formally classified as Chryseobacterium piscium sp. nov., with strain LMG 23089T (=CCUG 51923T) as the type strain. Its DNA G+C content is 33.6 mol%.

A marine bacterium, strain KOPRI 13342T, was isolated from a mature marine biofilm, including various marine algae, covering a rock-bed of the East Sea, Korea (also known as the Sea of Japan). Colonies of the isolate were orange-coloured on marine agar 2216. The isolate showed relatively high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to members of the genera Maribacter (91.2–92.4 % similarity), Zobellia (90.7–91.5 %) and Muricauda (90.7–91.4 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate formed a phyletic lineage with members of the genus Muricauda. Cells were aerobic, motile, Gram-negative rods and they produced non-diffusible carotenoid pigments. Optimal growth was observed at pH 7.5–8.0 and 26–32 °C and required the presence of 3 % (w/v) sea salt. The strain required Ca2+ and K+ ions in addition to NaCl for growth. The dominant fatty acids were i-15 : 0, i-15 : 1ω10, 15 : 0 and 16 : 1ω9. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The DNA G+C content was 35.8 mol%. On the basis of this polyphasic taxonomic evidence, strain KOPRI 13342T should be classified as a representative of a novel species in a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae; the name Costertonia aggregata gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Costertonia aggregata is KOPRI 13342T (=KCCM 42265T=JCM 13411T).

One thermophilic (strain IMO-1T) and two mesophilic (strains KIBI-1T and YMTK-2T) non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-negative, multicellular filamentous micro-organisms, which were previously isolated as members of the tentatively named class ‘Anaerolineae’ of the phylum Chloroflexi, were characterized. All isolates were strictly anaerobic micro-organisms. The length of the three filamentous isolates was greater than 100 μm and the width was 0.3–0.4 μm for strain IMO-1T, 0.4–0.5 μm for strain KIBI-1T and thinner than 0.2 μm for strain YMTK-2T. Strain IMO-1T could grow at pH 6.0–7.5 (optimum growth at pH 7.0). The optimal temperature for growth of strain IMO-1T was around 50 °C (growth occurred between 42 and 55 °C). Growth of the mesophilic strains KIBI-1T and YMTK-2T occurred at pH 6.0–7.2 with optimal growth at pH 7.0. Both of the mesophilic strains were able to grow in a temperature range of 25–50 °C with optimal growth at around 37 °C. Yeast extract was required for growth of all three strains. All the strains could grow with a number of carbohydrates in the presence of yeast extract. The G+C contents of the DNA of strains IMO-1T, KIBI-1T and YMTK-2T were respectively 53.3, 59.5 and 48.2 mol%. Major fatty acids for thermophilic strain IMO-1T were anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0, whereas those for mesophilic strains KIBI-1T and YMTK-2T were branched C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and branched C17 : 0, and branched C17 : 0, C16 : 0, C14 : 0 and C17 : 0, respectively. Detailed phylogenetic analyses based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolates belong to the class-level taxon ‘Anaerolineae’ of the bacterial phylum Chloroflexi, which for a long time had been considered as a typical uncultured clone cluster. Their morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and genetic traits strongly support the conclusion that these strains should be described as three novel independent taxa in the phylum Chloroflexi. Here, Anaerolinea thermolimosa sp. nov. (type strain IMO-1T=JCM 12577T=DSM 16554T), Levilinea saccharolytica gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain KIBI-1T=JCM 12578T=DSM 16555T) and Leptolinea tardivitalis gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain YMTK-2T=JCM 12579T=DSM 16556T) are proposed. In addition, we formally propose to subdivide the tentative class-level taxon ‘Anaerolineae’ into Anaerolineae classis nov. and Caldilineae classis nov. We also propose the subordinate taxa Anaerolineales ord. nov., Caldilineales ord. nov., Anaerolineaceae fam. nov. and Caldilineaceae fam. nov.

The taxonomic positions of ‘Renobacter vacuolatum’ DSM 1277 and ‘Ancylobacter polymorphus’ DSM 2457 were investigated in this study. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that both strains belonged to the genus Ancylobacter. DNA–DNA hybridization showed that they differed from Ancylobacter aquaticus DSM 101T and Ancylobacter rudongensis AS 1.1761T. According to molecular and phenotypic characteristics, strain DSM 1277T (=AS 1.2807T) is proposed as the type strain of Ancylobacter vacuolatus sp. nov. At the same time, valid publication of the name Ancylobacter polymorphus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain DSM 2457T (=AS 1.2800T=NCIMB 10516T).

Two denitrifying strains of heterotrophic, facultatively anaerobic bacteria, designated ZD1T and ZT1T, were isolated from sediment samples collected from mangrove ecosystems in Taiwan. The isolates were Gram-negative. Cells grown in broth cultures were straight rods that were motile by means of a single polar flagellum. The isolates grew optimally in 1–3 % NaCl, but NaCl was not an absolute requirement for growth; only strain ZT1T grew in 13–14 % NaCl. Both isolates grew between 10 and 45 °C, with optimum growth at 30–35 °C. They were capable of anaerobic growth by denitrifying metabolism using nitrate or nitrous oxide as terminal electron acceptors or, alternatively, by fermenting glucose, sucrose or mannitol as substrates. C18 : 1 ω7c was the most abundant fatty acid (32.6–35.7 %). The other major fatty acids included C16 : 1 ω7c (27.5–29.4 %) and C16 : 0 (20.1–22.0 %). The two isolates had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.8 % and shared 94.1–96.8 % sequence similarity with the most closely related species, Oceanimonas doudoroffii, Oceanimonas baumannii, Oceanimonas smirnovii and Oceanisphaera litoralis. They could be distinguished from these species in that they were capable of fermentative metabolism, had relatively high DNA G+C contents (62.0–64.0 mol%) and contained C18 : 1 ω7c instead of C16 : 1 ω7c as the most abundant fatty acid. Characterization data accumulated in this study revealed that the two denitrifying isolates could be classified as representatives of two novel species in a new genus, Zobellella gen. nov., with Zobellella denitrificans sp. nov. (type strain ZD1T=BCRC 17493T=JCM 13380T) as the type species and Zobellella taiwanensis sp. nov. (type strain ZT1T=BCRC 17494T=JCM 13381T) as a second species.