- Volume 65, Issue Pt_4, 2015

Three Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, non-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strains, SP32T ( = SLM-1T), SR68 ( = SLM-3) and SP95 ( = SLM-2), were isolated from two water samples of a cold-water lake in Xinjiang province, China. Growth was observed at 4–25 °C and pH 6.0–9.0, and optimum growth occurred at 18–20 °C and at pH 7.0–7.5. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these isolates belonged to the family Rhodobacteraceae , but formed an evolutionary lineage distinct from other species of this family with validly published names. Strain SP32T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (96.7 %) to Rhodobacter veldkampii ATCC 35703T, and the similarity to members of the genera Defluviimonas , Haematobacter and Pseudorhodobacter was respectively 95.8–96.4, 96.0–96.1 and 95.3–96.1 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SP32T was 67.6 mol%. The major fatty acids (>5 %) were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c) and11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified polar lipid were the main polar lipids. Ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. Strain SP32T did not produce photosynthetic pigments and did not contain the gene pufM, by which it differed from the phototrophic species of the family Rhodobacteraceae . Based on its distinct phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain SP32T represents a novel species in a novel genus within the family Rhodobacteraceae , for which we propose the name Frigidibacter albus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Frigidibacter albus is strain SP32T ( = SLM-1T = CGMCC 1.13995T = NBRC 109671T).

The species Rhizobium lupini was isolated from Lupinus nodules and included in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names in 1980. Nevertheless, on the basis of the analysis of the type strain of this species available in DSMZ, DSM 30140T, whose 16S rRNA gene was identical to that of the type strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum , R. lupini was considered a later synonym of this species. In this study we confirmed that the strain DSM 30140T belongs to the species B. japonicum , but also that it cannot be the original strain of R. lupini because this species effectively nodulated Lupinus whereas strain DSM 30140T was able to nodulate soybean but not Lupinus. Since the original type strain of R. lupini was deposited into the USDA collection by L. W. Erdman under the accession number USDA 3051T we analysed the taxonomic status of this strain showing that although it belongs to the genus Bradyrhizobium instead of genus Rhizobium , it is phylogenetically distant from B. japonicum and closely related to Bradyrhizobium canariense . The type strains R. lupini USDA 3051T and B. canariense BTA-1T share 16S rRNA, recA and glnII gene sequences with similarities of 99.8 %, 96.5 % and 97.1 %, respectively. They presented a DNA–DNA hybridization value of 36 % and also differed in phenotypic characteristics and slightly in the proportions of some fatty acids. Therefore we propose the reclassification of the species Rhizobium lupini as Bradyrhizobium lupini comb. nov. The type strain is USDA 3051T ( = CECT 8630T = LMG 28514T).

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, strain JL351T, was isolated from the surface seawater of the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain had a close relationship with members of the genera Ponticoccus , Antarctobacter and Sagittula , and the closest relative was Ponticoccus litoralis CL-GR66T (with 96.56 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The polar lipids of strain JL351T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified glycolipid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (60.9 %), C18 : 0 (13.7 %), C16 : 0 (9.4 %), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c (4.5 %), and C12 : 1 3-OH (4.4 %). The DNA G+C content was 66.2 mol%. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain JL351T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Ponticoccus , for which the name Ponticoccus lacteus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JL351T ( = CGMCC 1.12986T = JCM 30379T).

A polyphasic taxonomic analysis was carried out on 11 uncommon Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, but indole-negative, bacterial strains isolated from tortoises. Phenotypically and genetically they represented a homogeneous group of organisms most closely related to, but distinct from, Uruburuella suis . In a reconstructed 16S rRNA gene tree they clustered on a monophyletic branch next to U. suis with gene similarities between strains of 99.5–100 %, and of up to 98.2 % with U. suis . DNA–DNA hybridization indicated the organisms represented a novel species with only 40 % DNA-DNA similarity with U. suis . Partial sequencing of rpoB resulted in two subclusters confirming the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny; both genes allowed clear separation and identification of the novel species. Furthermore, they could be unambiguously identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS, where, again, they formed a highly homogeneous cluster separate from U. suis and other members of the family Neisseriaceae . The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and summed feature C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH. The DNA G+C content was 54.4 mol%. Based on phenotypic and genetic data we propose classifying these organisms as representatives of a novel species named Uruburuella testudinis sp. nov. The type strain is 07_OD624T ( = DSM 26510T = CCUG 63373T).

A Gram-stain-negative, halophilic bacterium, designated strain BH195T, was isolated from the sediment of the solar saltern pond located in Gomso, Republic of Korea. Strain BH195T was a strictly aerobic, non-motile rod, which grew at pH 3.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 7.5), at 4–55 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at salinities of 0.5–11 % (w/v) NaCl [optimum, 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl]. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain BH195T belongs to the genus Idiomarina , showing the highest sequence similarity to Idiomarina salinarum ISL-52T (97.4 %), Idiomarina homiensis PO-M2T (96.8 %), Idiomarina aestuarii KYW314T (96.7 %), and Idiomarina tainanensis PIN1T (96.7 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain BH195T were iso-C11 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C11 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 51.3 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain BH195T and I. salinarum KCTC 12971T was 33 %. On the basis of this polyphasic analysis, strain BH195T represents a novel species of the genus Idiomarina for which the name Idiomarina halophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH195T ( = KACC 17610T = NCAIM B 02544T).

An aerobic halotolerant restricted facultatively methylotrophic bacterium was isolated from a saline hot spring in Pamukkale, Turkey, and designated strain PK2T. The cells of this strain were Gram-stain-negative, asporogenous, motile short rods multiplying by binary fission. They utilized methanol, methylamine and mannitol as carbon and energy sources. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C in media containing 85 mM NaCl and at pH 7.5–8.0. C1 compounds were assimilated via the isocitrate-lyase-positive variant of the serine pathway. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and the compatible solute ectoine were found in the cells. The dominant phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids of methanol-grown cells were C18 : 1ω7 and C16 : 1ω7c. The main ubiquinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content was 67.9 mol% (T m). The 16S rRNA gene sequence suggests that strain PK2T is affiliated with the order Rhizobiales within the class Alphaproteobacteria , being most closely related to Mesorhizobium gobiense CCBAU 83330T (94 % similarity). A novel genus and species, Methylobrevis pamukkalensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed on the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, with PK2T (VKM B-2849T = JCM 30229T) as the type strain.

A re-evaluation of the taxonomic position of two strains, 1383T and 2249, isolated from poppy seeds and tea leaves, which had been identified as Siccibacter turicensis (formerly Cronobacter zurichensis ), was carried out. The analysis included phenotypic characterization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of five housekeeping genes (atpD, fusA, glnS, gyrB and infB; 2034 bp) and ribosomal MLSA (53 loci; 22 511 bp). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and MLSA showed that the strains formed an independent phylogenetic lineage, with Siccibacter turicensis LMG 23730T as the closest neighbour. Average nucleotide identity analysis and phenotypic analysis confirmed that these strains represent a novel species, for which the name Siccibacter colletis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1383T ( = NCTC 14934T = CECT 8567T = LMG 28204T). An emended description of Siccibacter turicensis is also provided.

A yellow-pigmented, motile, Gram-stain-negative, moderately halophilic and strictly aerobic bacterium, designated BA42AL-1T, was isolated from water of a saltern of Santa Pola, Alicante, Spain. Strain BA42AL-1T grew in media containing 5–20 % (w/v) salts (optimum 7.5 % salts). It grew between pH 6.0 and 9.0 (optimally at pH 7.5) and at 15–45 °C (optimally at 37 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BA42AL-1T is a member of the genus Aquisalimonas . The closest relatives to this strain were Aquisalimonas halophila YIM 95345T and Aquisalimonas asiatica CG12T with sequence similarities of 99.4 % and 97.0 %, respectively. DNA–DNA hybridization between the novel isolate and Aquisalimonas halophila YIM 95345T revealed a relatedness of 54 %. The major fatty acids of strain BA42AL-1T were C18 : 1ω6c/C18 : 1ω7c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C16 : 0, and lower contents of C12 : 0 and C18 : 0. The polar lipid pattern of strain BA42AL-1T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, two glycolipids, a lipid and four unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 65.0 mol%. Based on the DNA–DNA hybridization, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data presented in this study, strain BA42AL-1T is proposed as a novel species of the genus Aquisalimonas , for which the name Aquisalimonas lutea sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is BA42AL-1T ( = CCM 8472T = CECT 8326T = LMG 27614T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, L-1T, which was capable of degrading methyl red was isolated from a dye-manufacturing factory in China. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses established affiliation of the isolate to the genus Dyadobacter . Cells occurred in pairs in young cultures but became chains of coccoid cells in old cultures, and produced a flexirubin-like yellow pigment. Strain L-1T could not hydrolyse cellulose, and had a DNA G+C content of 51.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0 3-OH were the other major fatty acid components. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strainL-1T was most closely related to Dyadobacter fermentans DSM 18053T (99.2 %), Dyadobacter soli JCM 16232T (98.9 %) and Dyadobacter beijingensis CGMCC 1.6375T (98.7 %). However, the new isolate exhibited relatively low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness with respect to JCM 16232T (41.2±1.8 %), DSM 18053T (38.6±2.6 %) and CGMCC 1.6375T (35.0±2.1 %). Strain L-1T could also be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives based on differences in several phenotypic characteristics. These data suggest that strain L-1T represents a novel species of the genus Dyadobacter , for which the name Dyadobacter jiangsuensis sp. is proposed. The type strain is L-1T (DSM 29057T = CGMCC 1.12969T).

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding, oxidase- and catalase-positive and rod-shaped yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain SW033T was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected from the South Pacific Gyre (GPS position: 26° 29′ S 137° 56′ W) during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, expedition 329. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SW033T belonged to the genus Hyunsoonleella and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Hyunsoonleella jejuensis CNU004T (96.8 %). It showed 94.7–95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to members of the genera Jejuia , Arenitalea and Algibacter in the family Flavobacteriaceae . Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 8.0 and at 28 °C. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SW033T was 36.1 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and four unidentified lipids. On the basis of the polyphasic analyses, strain SW033T is considered to represent a member of a novel species in the genus Hyunsoonleella , for which the name Hyunsoonleella pacifica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW033T ( = CGMCC 1.11009T = JCM 17860T).

A novel marine bacterium isolated from the intestine of cultured flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was studied by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolate was Gram-stain-negative, pleomorphic, aerobic, yellow and oxidase- and catalase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that isolate Th6T formed a distinct branch within the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed 96.6 % similarity to its closest relative, Bizionia hallyeonensis T-y7T. The DNA G+C content was 29 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C15 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel bacterium has been assigned to a novel species of a new genus for which the name Ichthyenterobacterium magnum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Th6T ( = JCM 18636T = KCTC 32140T).

Two Gram-stain-negative, yellow, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial isolates, designated THG-DN3.18T and THG-DN3.19T, were isolated from an ancient tree trunk from Daejeon, South Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity showed that both strains belong to the genus Pedobacter within the family Sphingobacteriaceae . Strain THG-DN3.18T exhibited maximum sequence similarity with Pedobacter boryungensis KCTC 23344T (98.5 %) while strain THG-DN3.19T exhibited maximum sequence similarity with Pedobacter nyackensis LMG 24260T (97.3 %). In DNA–DNA hybridization tests, the two strains showed less than 35 % relatedness with respect to closely related species of the genus Pedobacter . Both strains contained iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c (summed feature 3) as the predominant fatty acids and MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone. The DNA G+C contents of strains THG-DN3.18T and THG-DN3.19T were 35.5 and 40.1 mol%, respectively. The genotypic analysis, biochemical properties, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics indicate that strains THG-DN3.18T and THG-DN3.19T represent novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the names Pedobacter daejeonensis sp. nov. and Pedobacter trunci sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are THG-DN3.18T ( = KCTC 42230T = JCM 30352T) and THG-DN3.19T ( = KCTC 42233T = JCM 30353T), respectively.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated BG-MY13T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment on the South Sea, South Korea. Strain BG-MY13T grew optimally at 30–35 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BG-MY13T falls within the cluster comprising the type strains of species of the genus Gramella . Strain BG-MY13T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequ4ence similarity values of 96.9–97.8 % to the type strains of Gramella echinicola , Gramella gaetbulicola , Gramella portivictoriae and Gramella marina and of 94.6–96.5 % to the type strains of other species of the genus Gramella with validly published names. Strain BG-MY13T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain BG-MY13T was 38.9 mol% and DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of G. echinicola , G. gaetbulicola , G. portivictoriae and G. marina were 12–23 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain BG-MY13T is separated from other species of the genus Gramella . On the basis of the data presented, strain BG-MY13T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Gramella , for which the name Gramella aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BG-MY13T ( = KCTC 42285T = NBRC 110677T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated W-WS1T, was isolated from wood falls collected around Wando, an island located in the South Sea, Republic of Korea. Strain W-WS1T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain W-WS1T belonged to the genus Pedobacter , clustering coherently with the type strains of Pedobacter daechungensis , Pedobacter lentus , Pedobacter terricola , Pedobacter arcticus and Pedobacter glucosidilyticus , showing 94.3–96.3 % sequence similarity. Strain W-WS1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 91.2–94.0 % to the type strains of other species of the genus Pedobacter . Strain W-WS1T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain W-WS1T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain W-WS1T was 37.7 mol%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain W-WS1T is separated from recognized species of the genus Pedobacter . On the basis of the data presented, strain W-WS1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the name Pedobacter silvilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W-WS1T ( = KCTC 42174T = CECT 8669T).

A bacterial strain, designated 157T, isolated from human faeces was characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, which included analysis of physiological and biochemical features, cellular fatty acid profiles, menaquinone profiles and its phylogenetic position, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The strain was obligately anaerobic, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative rods. The isolate was able to grown on medium containing 20 % (w/v) bile. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain was a member of the genus Parabacteroides . Strain 157T was closely related to Parabacteroides gordonii JCM 15724T (96 % sequence similarity). The results of hsp60 gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 157T was different from P. gordonii JCM 15724T, with a hsp60 gene sequence similarity of 96.1 %. The major cellular fatty acids of strain 157T were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C18 : 1ω9c and anteiso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major menaquinone of the isolate was MK-9. The DNA G+C content of strain 157T was 41.8 mol%. On the basis of these data, strain 157T represents a novel species of the genus Parabacteroides , for which the name Parabacteroides faecis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 157T ( = JCM 18682T = CCUG 66681T).

A Gram-stain-negative, orange-coloured, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Th68T, was isolated from the intestine of flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The isolate required sea salts for growth. Gliding motility was not observed. Flexirubin-type pigments were present. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain Th68T represented a distinct phyletic line within the family Flavobacteriaceae with less than 96.1 % similarity to members of the recognized genera of the family. The DNA G+C content was 33.0 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the only respiratory quinone. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain Th68T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Flavirhabdus iliipiscaria gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Flavirhabdus iliipiscaria is Th68T ( = JCM 18637T = KCTC 32141T).

A novel bacterial strain, NGM72.4T, was isolated from a hot spring in the Ngatamariki geothermal field, New Zealand. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped it into the phylum Verrucomicrobia and class level group 3 (also known as OPB35 soil group). NGM72.4T stained Gram-negative, and was catalase- and oxidase-positive. Cells were small cocci, 0.5–0.8 µm in diameter, which were motile by means of single flagella. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) imaging showed an unusual pirellulosome-like intracytoplasmic membrane. The peptidoglycan content was very small with only trace levels of diaminopimelic acid detected. No peptidoglycan structure was visible in TEM imaging. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 (92 %). The major fatty acids (>15 %) were C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Major phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine (PMME) and cardiolipin (CL), and a novel analogous series of phospholipids where diacylglycerol was replaced with diacylserinol (sPE, sPMME, sCL). The DNA G+C content was 65.6 mol%. Cells displayed an oxidative chemoheterotrophic metabolism. NGM72.4T is a strictly aerobic thermophile (growth optimum 60–65 °C), has a slightly alkaliphilic pH growth optimum (optimum pH 8.1–8.4) and has a NaCl tolerance of up to 8 g l−1. Colonies were small, circular and pigmented pale pink. The distinct phylogenetic position and phenotypic traits of strain NGM72.4T distinguish it from all other described species of the phylum Verrucomicrobia and, therefore, it is considered to represent a novel species in a new genus for which we propose the name Limisphaera ngatamarikiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is NGM72.4T ( = ICMP 20182T = DSM 27329T).

A novel anaerobic, mesophilic, slightly halophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium, designated strain Khaled BD4T, was isolated from waters of a Tunisian thermal spring. Cells were vibrio-shaped or sigmoids (5–7×1–1.5 µm) and occurred singly or in pairs. Strain Khaled BD4T was Gram-stain-negative, motile and non-sporulated. It grew at 25–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 5.5–8.3 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0.5–8 % NaCl (optimum 3 %). It required vitamins or yeast extract for growth. Sulfate, thiosulfate, sulfite and elemental sulfur served as terminal electron acceptors, but not fumarate, nitrate or nitrite. Strain Khaled BD4T utilized H2 in the presence of 2 mM acetate (carbon source), but also lactate, formate, pyruvate and fumarate in the presence of sulfate. Lactate was incompletely oxidized to acetate. Amongst substrates used, only pyruvate was fermented. Desulfoviridin and c-type cytochrome were present. The G+C content of the DNA was 54.6 mol%. The main fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C18 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain Khaled BD4T had Desulfovibrio giganteus DSM 4123T (96.7 % similarity) as its closest phylogenetic relative. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons together with genetic and physiological characteristics, strain Khaled BD4T is assigned to a novel bacterial species, for which the name Desulfovibrio biadhensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Khaled BD4T ( = DSM 28904T = JCM 30146T).

Two yeast strains representing two novel yeast species were isolated from frass of an unidentified insect (ST-78T) and the external surfaces of rice leaves (YE170T) collected in Thailand. The two strains were genetically, morphologically and phenotypically distinct from recognized species and were found to represent two novel species of the genus Yamadazyma although formation of ascospores was not observed. In terms of pairwise sequence similarity of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene, the closest relative of strain ST-78T was Candida lessepsii CBS 9941T but with 3.8 % nucleotide substitutions, while the closest relative of strain YE170T was strain ST-78T but with 4.3 % nucleotide substitutions. Analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 (ITS1–2) regions revealed that strain ST-78 differed from C. lessepsii CBS 9941T by 8.8 % nucleotide substitutions and from strain YE170T by 9.4 % nucleotide substitutions. The result of pairwise sequence similarity of the D1/D2 and ITS1–2 regions together with phylogenetic analysis indicated that strains ST-78T and YE170T represented two novel species within the Yamadazyma clade. The names Yamadazyma insecticola f.a., sp. nov. (type strain ST-78T = BCC 8314T = NBRC 110421T = CBS 13382T; MycoBank no. MB810546) and Yamadazyma epiphylla f.a., sp. nov. (type strain YE170T = BCC 63466T = NBRC 110423T = CBS 13384T; MycoBank no. MB810547) are proposed for the two novel yeast species.