Roseisalinus antarcticus gen. nov., sp nov., a novel aerobic bacteriochlorophyll a-producing alpha-proteobacterium isolated from hypersaline Ekho Lake, Antarctica

A Gram-negative, aerobic to microaerophilic rod was isolated from 10 m depths of the hypersaline, heliothermal and meromictic Ekho Lake (East Antarctica). The strain was oxidase- and catalase-positive, metabolized a variety of carboxylic acids and sugars and produced lipase. Cells had an absolute requirement for artificial sea water, which could not be replaced by NaCl. A large in vivo absorption band at 870 nm indicated production of bacteriochlorophyll a. The predominant fatty acids of this organism were 16:0 and 18:1omega7c, with 3-OH 10:0, 16:1omega7c and 18:0 in lower amounts. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. Ubiquinone 10 was produced. The DNA G + C content was 67 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that the isolate represents a member of the Roseobacter clade within the alpha-Proteobacteria. The organism showed no particular relationship to any members of this clade but clustered on the periphery of the genera Jannaschia, Octadecabacter and 'Marinosulfonomonas' and the species Ruegeria gelatinovorans. Distinct morphological, physiological and genotypic differences to these previously described taxa supported the description of a new genus and a novel species, for which the name Roseisalinus antarcticus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EL-88(T) (= DSM 11466(T) = CECT 7023(T)).

Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedialis sp nov., from a southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina)

A previously unknown Gram-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, coccus-shaped bacterium (A/G14/99/10(T)), originating from the mouth of a female southern elephant seal, was subjected to a taxonomic analysis. Comparative 16S rRNA gene-sequencing showed that the organism formed a hitherto unknown subline within the catalase-positive, low-G+C, Gram-positive cocci, exhibiting a specific association with species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus. Sequence divergence values of approximately 7%, together with phenotypic differences, showed the unknown bacterium to be distinct from the two described species of this genus, Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans and Jeotgalicoccus psychrophilus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that strain A/G14/99/10(T)=CCUG 42722(T)=CIP 107946(T) from the mouth of a seal be classified as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus, Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedialis sp. nov.

Allobaculum stercoricanis gen. nov., sp nov., isolated from canine feces

Morphological, biochemical, and molecular genetic studies were performed on an unknown anaerobic, catalase-negative, nonspore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from dog feces. The unknown bacterium was tentatively identified as a Eubacterium species, based on cellular morphological and biochemical tests. 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies, however, revealed that it was phylogenetically distant from Eubacterium limosum, the type species of the genus Eubacterium. Phylogenetically, the unknown species forms a hitherto unknown sub-line proximal to the base of a cluster of organisms (designated rRNA cluster XVI), which includes Clostridium innocuum, Streptococcus pleomorphus, and some Eubacterium species. Based on both phenotypic and phylogenetic criteria, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new genus and species, Allobaculum stercoricanis. Using a specific rRNA-targeted probe designed to identify Allobacultan stercoricanis, in situ hybridisation showed this novel species represents a significant organism in canine feces comprising between 0.1% and 3.7% of total cells stained with DAPI (21 dog fecal samples). The type strain of Allobaculum stereoricanis is DSM 13633(T) = CCUG 45212(T). (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clostridium colicanis sp. nov., from canine faeces

Morphological, biochemical and molecular genetic studies were performed on an unknown, anaerobic, rod-shaped organism isolated from faeces of a canine. The organism was tentatively identified as a member of the genus Clostridium based on its cellular morphology and ability to form endospores but, biochemically, it did not appear to correspond to any recognized species of this genus. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the bacterium represents a previously unrecognized subline within Clostridium rRNA group I (Clostridium sensu stricto), which includes Clostridium butyricum, the type species of the genus. The nearest phylogenetic relatives of the unknown bacterium corresponded to Clostridium absonum, Clostridium baratii, Eubacterium budayi, Eubacterium moniliforme, Eubacterium multiforme and Eubacterium nitritogenes, but 16S rRNA sequence divergence values of > 3% demonstrated that it represents a novel species. Based on the findings presented, a novel species, Clostridium colicanis sp. nov., is described, with the type strain 3WC2(T) (=CCUG 44556(T) =DSM 13634(T)).

Sutterella sterconcanis sp nov., isolated from canine faeces

Morphological, biochemical and molecular genetic studies were carried out on an unknown non-spore-forming, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium which was isolated from dog faeces. The bacterium grew under anaerobic conditions, was asaccharolytic, resistant to 20% (v/v) bile and was oxidase- and urease-negative. Phylogenetic analysis based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unidentified bacterium clustered with Sutterella wadsworthensis, although a sequence divergence of > 5% indicated that the bacterium from dog faeces represented a previously unrecognized subline within the genus. On the basis of the presented findings, a novel species, Sutterella stercoricanis sp. nov., is described. The type strain of Sutterella stercoricanis is 5BAC4(T) ( = CCUG 47620(T) = CIP 108024(T)).

Suttonella ornithocola sp nov., from birds of the tit families, and emended description of the genus Suttonella

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on three strains of Gram-negative, rod-shaped organisms recovered from dead birds of the tit families (blue tit, coal tit and long-tailed tit). Morphological, cultural and biochemical studies indicated that the organisms were related to the family Cardiobacteriaceae in the gamma-subclass of the Proteobacteria. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies confirmed these findings and demonstrated that the bacterium represents a hitherto unknown subline within this family. The closest phylogenetic relative of the strains isolated from the birds was found to be Suttonella indologenes, although a sequence divergence of approximately 5 % demonstrated that the unknown bacterium represented a novel species. On the basis of the results of the phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic criteria, it is proposed that the bacteria recovered from the diseased birds represent a novel species, Suttonella ornithocola sp. nov., with strain B6/99/2(T) (=CCUG 49457(T)=NCTC 13337(T)) as the type strain.

Campylobacter insulaenigrae sp nov., isolated from marine mammals

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on four Campylobacter-like organisms recovered from three seals and a porpoise. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that the organisms represent a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Campylobacter, associated with a subcluster containing Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari. DNA-DNA hybridization studies confirmed that the bacteria belonged to a single species, for which the name Campylobacter insulaenigrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Campylobacter insulaenigrae sp. nov. is NCTC 12927(T) (= CCUG 48653(T)).

Cetobacterium somerae sp nov from human feces and emended description of the genus Cetobacterium

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on four isolates of an unidentified gram-negative, microaerotolerant, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from the feces of children. The unknown organism was bile resistant and produced acetic acid as the major end product of metabolism of peptides and carbohydrates. It possessed a low DNA G + C content of 31 mol %. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the four isolates were phylogenetically identical (100% 16S rRNA sequence similarity) and represent a hitherto unknown sub-line within the genus Cetobacterium. The novel bacterium displayed approximately 5% sequence divergence with Cetobacterium ceti, and can be readily distinguished from the latter by physiological and biochemical criteria. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown fecal bacterium be classified in the genus Cetobacterium, as Cetobacterium somerae sp. nov. The proposed type strain of Cetobacterium somerae is WAL 14325(T) (ATCC BAA-474(T) = CCUG 46254T).

Anaerofustis stercorihominis gen. nov., sp nov., from human faeces

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unidentified Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from human feces. The organism was catalase-negative, resistant to 20% bile, produced acetic and butyric acids as end products of glucose metabolism, and possessed a G + C content of approximately 70 mol %. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unidentified bacterium was a member of the Clostridium sub-phylum of the Gram-positive bacteria, and formed a loose association with rRNA cluster XV. Sequence divergence values of 12% or greater were observed between the unidentified bacterium and all other recognized species within this and related rRNA clusters. Treeing analysis showed the unknown anaerobe formed a deep line branching near to the base of rRNA cluster XV and phylogenetically represents a hitherto unknown taxon, distinct from Acetobacterium, Eubacterium sensu stricto, Pseudoramibacter and other related organisms. Based on both phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from feces be classified in a new genus Anaerofustis, as Anaerofustis stercorihominis sp. nov. The type strain of Anaerofustis stercorihominis is ATCC BAA-858(T) = CCUG 47767(T). (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atopostipes suicloacale gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from an underground swine manure storage pit

Phenotypic and molecular genetic studies were performed on an unknown facultative anaerobic, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from a pig manure storage pit. The unknown bacterium was nutritionally fastidious with growth enhanced by the addition of rumen fluid and was phenotypically initially identified as an Eubacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies, however, revealed that the unknown bacterium was phylogenetically distant from Eubacterium limosum (the type species of the genus Eubacterium) and related organisms. Phylogenetically, the unknown species displayed a close association with an uncultured organism from human subgingival plaque and formed an unknown sub-line within a cluster of organisms which includes Alloioccoccus otitis, Alkalibacterium olivoapovliticus, Allofustis seminis, Dolosigranulum pigrum, and related organisms, within the low mol% G + C Gram-positive bacteria. Sequence divergence values of > 8% with all known taxonomically recognised taxa, however, clearly indicates the novel bacterium represents a hitherto unknown genus. Based on both phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from pig manure be classified in a new genus and species, as Atopostipes suicloacale gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Atopostipes suicloacale is PPC79(T) = NRRL 23919(T) = DSM 15692(T). Crown Copyright (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atopococcus tabaci gen. nov., sp nov., a novel Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccus-shaped bacterium isolated from tobacco

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic, catalase-negative, coccus-shaped organism originating from tobacco was characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. The organism contained a cell wall murein based on L-lysine (variation A4 alpha, type L-lysine-L-glutamic acid), synthesized long-chain cellular fatty acids of the straight-chain saturated and monounsaturated types (with C(16:1)omega 9, C-16:0 and C(18:1)omega 9 predominating) and possessed a DNA G+C content of 46 mol%. Based on morphological, biochemical and chemical characteristics, the coccus-shaped organism did not conform to any presently recognized taxon. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies confirmed the distinctiveness of the unknown coccus, with the bacterium displaying sequence divergence values of greater than 7% with other recognized Gram-positive taxa. Treeing analysis reinforced its distinctiveness, with the unidentified organism forming a relatively long subline branching at the periphery of an rRNA gene sequence cluster which encompasses the genera Alloiococcus, Allolustis, Alkalibacterium, Atopostipes, Dolosigranulum and Marinilactibacillus. Based on phenotypic and molecular phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown organism from tobacco be classified as a new genus and species, Atopococcus tabaci gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Atopococcus tabaci is CCUG 48253(T) (= CIP 108502(T)).

Corynebacterium caspium sp nov., from a Caspian seal (Phoca caspica)

A previously unknown Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-lipophilic, catalase-positive, irregular rod-shaped bacterium (M/106/00/5(T)) was isolated, in mixed culture, from the penis of a Caspian seal (Phoca caspica). The strain was a facultative anaerobe that was able to grow at 22 and 42 degreesC. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the organism formed a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Corynebacterium. Sequence divergence values of more than 5 % from other described Corynebacterium species, together with phenotypic differences, showed that the unidentified bacterium represents a previously unrecognized member of this genus. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium isolated from a Caspian seal (strain M/106/00/5(T) = CCUG 44566(T)=CIP 107965(T)) be classified as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Corynebacterium, Corynebacterium caspium sp. nov.

Allofustis seminis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel Gram-positive, catalase-negative, rod-shaped bacterium from pig semen

An unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium originating from semen of a pig was characterized using phenotypic, molecular chemical and molecular phylogenetic methods. Chemical studies revealed the presence of a directly cross-linked cell wall murein based on L-lysine and a DNA G + C content of 39 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unidentified rod-shaped organism formed a hitherto unknown subline related, albeit loosely, to Alkalibacterium olivapovliticus, Alloiococcus otitis, Dolosigranulum pigrum and related organisms, in the low-G + C-content Gram-positive bacteria. However, sequence divergence values of > 11 % from these recognized taxa. clearly indicated that the novel bacterium represents a separate genus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from pig semen be classified as a new genus and species, Allofustis seminis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is strain 01-570-1(T) (=CCUG 45438(T)=CIP 107425(T)).

Cloacibacterium normanense gen. nov., sp nov., a novel bacterium in the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from municipal wastewater

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 x 10(5) cells ml(-1), and untreated wastewater from a second plant yielded an estimated count of 1.4 x 10(4) 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 NRS1(T) (=CCUG 46293(T)=CIP 108613(T) =ATCC BAA-825(T) = DSM 15886(T)).

Phenotypic and phylogenetic characterization of a new Corynebacterium species from dogs: description of Corynebacterium auriscanis sp. nov.

Six strains of a previously undescribed catalase-positive coryneform bacterium isolated from clinical specimens from dogs were characterized by phenotypic and molecular genetic methods. Biochemical and chemotaxonomic studies revealed that the unknown bacterium belonged to the genus Corynebacterium sensu stricto. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the six strains were genealogically highly related and constitute a new subline within the genus Corynebacterium; this subline is close to but distinct from C. falsenii, C. jeikeium, and C. urealyticum. The unknown bacterium from dogs was distinguished from all currently validated Corynebacterium species by phenotypic tests including electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Corynebacterium auriscanis. The type strain of C. auriscanis is CCUG 39938T.