Luethyella okanaganae gen. nov., sp. nov., a Novel Genus and Species of the Family Microbacteriaceae Isolated from the Insect Okanagana rimosa.

The entomopathogen "Corynebacterium okanaganae" was described by Lüthy in 1974 but the name was never validly published. Phylogenetic analysis employing 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrate that "Corynebacterium okanaganae" is not a member of the genus Corynebacterium but related to members of the Microbacteriaceae being most closely related to, but distinct from, members of the genera Rathayibacter, Mycetocola and Curtobacterium. The bacterium is an aerobic, Gram-positive staining, rod-shaped actinobacterium with the cell-wall peptidoglycan based on 2,4, diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinones are MK-10, MK-11 and MK-12, and the principle polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids consist of anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0. Therefore, based upon the phylogenetic, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic information, the organism merits recognition as a novel species and genus in the family Microbacteriaceae, for which the name Luethyella okanaganae gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LBG B4405T = CCUG 43304T = NCIMB 702272T.

Varibaculum anthropi sp. nov. represented by three genetically different genomovars isolated from clinical material and emended description of the genus Varibaculum.

During the years 1994-2011 five strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, diphtheroid bacteria (strains CCUG 31793T, CCUG 44221, CCUG 61255, CCUG 45114, and CCUG 44993) were isolated from different clinical samples in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the five strains shared 99-100% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity among each other and 98.3-98.6% sequence similarity to Varibaculum cambriense DSM 15806T. Genomic fingerprint patterns generated with ERIC-, BOX-, and RAPD-PCR, and whole genome sequence (WGS) based comparison by in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH), average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis and six housekeeping gene (atpA, rpoB, pgi, metG, gltA and gyrA) based multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) showed that the strains could be differentiated from V. cambriense DSM 15806T and formed three genomic groups, which could only be differentiated at the species border level. Based on physiological characterizations the five strains could not be clearly distinguished among each other. Based on those data a new Varibaculum species, Varibaculum anthropi (type strain CCUG 31793T=JCM 19104T) is proposed including three genetically distinct genomovars (gv 1: CCUG 31793T, CCUG 44221, CCUG 61255; gv 2: CCUG 45114, and gv 3: CCUG 44993).

Bordetella bronchialis sp. nov., Bordetella flabilis sp. nov. and Bordetella sputigena sp. nov., isolated from human respiratory specimens, and reclassification of Achromobacter sediminum Zhang et al. 2014 as Verticia sediminum gen. nov., comb. nov.

The phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of four Bordetella hinzii-like strains from human respiratory specimens and representing nrdA gene sequence based genogroups 3, 14 and 15 were examined. In a 16S rRNA gene sequence based phylogenetic tree, the four strains consistently formed a single coherent lineage but their assignment to the genus Bordetella was equivocal. The respiratory quinone, polar lipid and fatty acid profiles generally conformed to those of species of the genus Bordetella and were characterized by the presence of ubiquinone 8, of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several aminolipids, and of high percentages of C16 : 0, cyclo-C17 : 0 and summed feature 2, as major chemotaxonomic marker molecules, respectively. The DNA G+C content was about 66 mol%, which corresponded with that of the high-percentage DNA G+C content genera of the family Alcaligenaceae including the genus Bordetella. DNA­DNA hybridization experiments revealed the presence of three distinct genomospecies and thus confirmed phenotypic differences as revealed by means of extensive biochemical characterization. We therefore propose to formally classify Bordetella genogroups 3, 14 and 15 as Bordetella bronchialis sp. nov. (type strain LMG 28640T = AU3182T = CCUG 56828T), Bordetella sputigena sp. nov. (type strain LMG 28641T = CCUG 56478T) and Bordetella flabilis sp. nov. (type strain LMG 28642T = AU10664T = CCUG 56827T). In addition, we propose to reclassify Achromobacter sediminum into the novel genus Verticia, as Verticia sediminum, gen. nov., comb. nov., on the basis of its unique phylogenetic position, its marine origin and its distinctive phenotypic, fatty acid and polar lipid profile.

Corynebacterium uterequi sp. nov., a non-lipophilic bacterium isolated from urogenital samples from horses.

Three strains of a Gram-positive, catalase-positive, fermentative, non-lipophilic, previously unknown bacterium were isolated from urogenital samples taken from mares in Scotland (M401624/00/1) and Sweden (VM 2074 and VM 2298(T)). All were deposited with the CCUG with tentative identifications as Corynebacterium spp. The strains were characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Biochemically, the strains were very similar to each other, but phylogenetically distinct from Corynebacterium species with validly published names (≤95% sequence similarity). rpoB gene sequence data confirmed the strains belonged to the same species (>99% sequence similarity) and were distinct from species with validly published names (>13% sequence divergence). On the basis of phenotypic and sequence data, the strains represent a novel species within the genus Corynebacterium, for which the name Corynebacterium uterequi is proposed. The type strain is VM 2298(T) (=CCUG 61235(T)=DSM 45634(T)), isolated from equine uterus.

Alicyclobacillus consociatus sp. nov., isolated from a human clinical specimen.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic organism, isolated from a blood sample from a 51-year-old woman, was studied for its taxonomic position. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain CCUG 53762(T) was grouped into the genus Alicyclobacillus, most closely related to the type strain of Alicyclobacillus pohliae (94.7 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to other species of the genus Alicyclobacillus was ≤91 % and similarity to species of the genus Tumebacillus was 91.3-93 %. The occurrence of menaquinone MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone, meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid of the cell wall and the fatty acid profile supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Alicyclobacillus. Major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and three unknown phospholipids. The absence of the iso-branched fatty acids iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 allowed differentiation of strain CCUG 53762(T) from A. pohliae CIP 109385(T). In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain CCUG 53762(T) from this most closely related species. The G+C content of the DNA was 47 mol%. Strain CCUG 53762(T) therefore represents a novel species of the genus Alicyclobacillus, for which we propose the name Alicyclobacillus consociatus sp. nov., with CCUG 53762(T) ( = CCM 8439(T)) as the type strain.

Erratum to: Two novel species Enterococcus lemanii sp. nov. and Enterococcus eurekensis sp. nov., isolated from a swine-manure storage pit.

A polyphasic taxonomic study using morphological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and molecular genetic methods was performed on six strains of an unknown Gram-positive, nonspore-forming, facultative anaerobic coccus-shaped bacterium isolated from a swine-manure storage pit. On the basis of 16S rRNA, RNA polymerase-subunit (rpoA), and the 60-kilodalton chaperonin (cpn60) gene sequence analyses, it was shown that all the isolates were enterococci but formed two separate lines of descent. Pairwise 16S rRNA sequence comparisons demonstrated that the two novel organisms were most closely related to each other (97.9 %) and to Enterococcus aquimarinus (97.8 %). Both organisms contained major amounts of C16:0, C16:1 ω7c, and C18:1 ω7c/12t/9t as the major cellular fatty acids. Based on biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic evidence, the names Enterococcus lemanii sp. nov. (type strain PC32(T) = CCUG 61260(T) = NRRL B-59661(T)) and Enterococcus eurekensis sp. nov. (type strain PC4B(T) = CCUG 61259(T) = NRRL B-59662(T)) are proposed for the hitherto undescribed species.

Paenibacillus vulneris sp. nov., isolated from a necrotic wound.

A Gram-positive-staining, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium, isolated from a necrotic wound of a 35-year-old man was studied in detail to determine its taxonomic position. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain CCUG 53270(T) was grouped into the genus Paenibacillus, most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus rigui (97.2 %), Paenibacillus xylanisolvens (96.3 %) and Paenibacillus chinjuensis (96.1 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to strains of other Paenibacillus species was ≤96 %. Chemotaxonomic characterization supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Paenibacillus. The major menaquinones were MK-7 (85 %) and MK-6 (15 %). The polar lipid profile contained the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The polyamine pattern contained predominantly spermidine. The major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain CCUG 53270(T) from closely related species. Thus, strain CCUG 53270(T) represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus vulneris sp. nov. is proposed, with CCUG 53270(T) ( = JCM 18268(T)) as the type strain.

Two novel species Enterococcus lemanii sp. nov. and Enterococcus eurekensis sp. nov., isolated from a swine-manure storage pit.

A polyphasic taxonomic study using morphological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and molecular genetic methods was performed on six strains of unknown Gram-positive, nonspore-forming, facultative anaerobic coccus-shaped bacteria isolated from a swine-manure storage pit. On the basis of the 16S rRNA, RNA polymerase α-subunit (rpoA) and 60 kDa chaperonin (cpn60) gene sequence analyses, it was shown that all the isolates were enterococci but formed two separate lines of descent. Pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons demonstrated that the two novel organisms were most closely related to each other (97.9 %) and to Enterococcus aquimarinus (97.8 %). Both organisms contained major amounts of C(16:0), C(16:1) ω7c, C(16:1) ω7c, and C(18:1) ω7c/12t/9t as the major cellular fatty acids. Based on biochemical, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence, the names Enterococcus lemanii sp. nov. (type strain PC32(T) = CCUG 61260(T) = NRRL B-59661(T)) PPC27A = CCUG 61369; PPC38 = CCUG 61261 [corrected] and Enterococcus eurekensis sp. nov. (type strain PC4B(T) = CCUG 61259(T) = NRRL B-59662(T)) PPC15 = CCUG 61368; PPC107 = CCUG 61372 [corrected] are proposed for these hitherto undescribed species.

Herminiimonas contaminans sp. nov., isolated as a contaminant of biopharmaceuticals.

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium isolated as a contaminant from a biopharmaceutical process (strain CCUG 53591(T)) was studied for its taxonomic allocation. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity data, this strain was clearly allocated to the genus Herminiimonas. Herminiimonas saxobsidens was shown to be the most closely related species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.9 %), followed by Herminiimonas glaciei (99.6 %) and Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans (98.8 %). Strain ND5, previously reported as H. glaciei, but showing 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to strain CCUG 53591(T), was included in the comparative study. Similarities to all other species of the genus Herminiimonas were below 98.0 %. Chemotaxonomic data (major ubiquinone, Q-8; major polar lipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; and major fatty acids, C(17 : 0) cyclo, C(19 : 0) cyclo ω8c and C(16 : 0,) with C(10 : 0) 3-OH as hydroxylated fatty acid) supported the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Herminiimonas. DNA-DNA hybridization results (mean values) for strain CCUG 53591(T) with H. saxobsidens CCUG 59860(T) (34 %), H. glaciei DSM 21140(T) (57 %), H. arsenicoxydans DSM 17148(T) (17 %) and Herminiimonas fonticola S-94(T) (11 %) clearly supported the separate taxonomic position of this strain. Strain ND5 showed DNA-DNA similarities of 78, 56 and 52 % to strain CCUG 53591(T), H. glaciei DSM 21140(T) and H. saxobsidens CCUG 59860(T), respectively. Phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from the most closely related species was possible by various features. Hence, strain CCUG 53591(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Herminiimonas contaminans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CCUG 53591(T) ( = CCM 7991(T)). Strain ND5 is a second strain of this species.

Description of Cobetia amphilecti sp. nov., Cobetia litoralis sp. nov. and Cobetia pacifica sp. nov., classification of Halomonas halodurans as a later heterotypic synonym of Cobetia marina and emended descriptions of the genus Cobetia and Cobetia marina.

A group of five Gram-negative, aerobic, halotolerant, non-pigmented bacteria isolated from shallow sediment samples and invertebrate specimens collected from the Gulf of Alaska and the Sea of Japan was subjected to taxonomic study. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the novel isolates were affiliated to the genus Cobetia, sharing the highest sequence similarity of 99.3-99.9 % with Cobetia marina DSM 4741(T). DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between and among the novel strains and C. marina DSM 4741(T) and Cobetia crustatorum JCM 15644(T) revealed that the five strains represent three separate genospecies, which could be differentiated in their morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Halomonas halodurans NBRC 15607(T) was included in this study as it has recently been reported to exhibit high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to C. marina DSM 4741(T), and it showed a high DNA relatedness value of 96 % with C. marina DSM 4741(T), indicating that they belong to the same species. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic characterization, three novel species are proposed, named Cobetia amphilecti sp. nov. (type strain KMM 1561(T) = NRIC 0815(T) = CCUG 49560(T)), Cobetia litoralis sp. nov. (type strain KMM 3880(T) =NRIC 0814(T) =CCUG 49563(T)) and Cobetia pacifica sp. nov. (type strain KMM 3879(T) = NRIC 0813(T) = CCUG 49562(T)). It is also proposed that Halomonas halodurans is a later heterotypic synonym of Cobetia marina, and emended descriptions of the genus Cobetia and the species Cobetia marina are provided.

Peptostreptococcus canis sp. nov., isolated from subgingival plaque from canine oral cavity.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on two strains of an unknown Gram-positive, asaccharolytic, nonspore-forming, obligately anaerobic coccus-shaped bacterium isolated from oral subgingival plaque of Labrador retriever dogs. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that these isolates were highly related to each other and formed a hitherto unknown linage within the clostridial rRNA XI cluster of organisms. Pairwise analysis demonstrated that the novel organism to be most closely related to members of the genus Peptostreptococcus with 16S rDNA gene sequence similarity values between 92.8% and 96.7%, respectively. The G + C DNA base composition was 30.8 mol% and the major cellular fatty acids included iso-C(14:0,) iso-C(16:0), and iso-C(16:0 DMA). Based on biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Peptostreptococcus canis sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 57081(T).

Paenibacillus chartarius sp. nov., isolated from a paper mill.

The taxonomy of strain CCUG 55240(T), a Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium that was isolated from a paper mill, was investigated using a polyphasic approach. In phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the novel strain was grouped with established members of the genus Paenibacillus and appeared most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus chinjuensis (93.7 % sequence similarity), P. elgii (93.7 %) and P. chitinolyticus (93.6 %). The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with other species of the genus Paenibacillus, including the type species of the genus, Paenibacillus polymyxa, were all <93.5 %. The fatty acid profile of strain CCUG 55240(T), which showed a predominance of iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids, supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Paenibacillus. Unusually high amounts of some iso-branched fatty acids, especially iso-C(15:0) and iso-C(16:0), allowed differentiation of strain CCUG 55240(T) from the most closely related species of the genus Paenibacillus. The diagnostic diamino acid found in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown glycolipid, an unknown aminophosphoglycolipid and an unknown phospholipid. Spermidine was the major polyamine. The results of some physiological and biochemical tests also allowed the phenotypic differentiation of strain CCUG 55240(T) from the most closely related recognized species. On the basis of the phylogenetic, phenotypic and molecular evidence, strain CCUG 55240(T) represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus chartarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the novel species is CCUG 55240(T) ( = CCM 7759(T)).

Massilia oculi sp. nov., isolated from a human clinical specimen.

A gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain CCUG 43427A(T)) was isolated from a patient suffering from endophthalmitis and its taxonomic position was studied. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that this strain was a member of the genus Massilia. Strain CCUG 43427A(T) was most closely related to the type strains of Massilia timonae (97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Massilia aurea (97.2 %); levels of similarity to the type strains of all other recognized Massilia species were below 97.0 %. Chemotaxonomic data [Q-8 as major ubiquinone; phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids; and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH), C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)ω7c, C(12 : 0) and C(10 : 0) 3-OH as major fatty acids] supported the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Massilia. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness of strain CCUG 43427A(T) with M. timonae CCUG 45783(T) and M. aurea AP13(T) were 60.6 % (reciprocal, 55.8 %) and 58.1 % (reciprocal, 34.0 %), respectively. Strain CCUG 43427A(T) could be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic neighbours based on a range of phenotypic characteristics. Strain CCUG 43427A(T) is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia oculi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CCUG 43427A(T) ( = CCM 7900(T)).

Macellibacteroides fermentans gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Porphyromonadaceae isolated from an upflow anaerobic filter treating abattoir wastewaters.

A novel obligately anaerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped mesophilic bacterium, which stained Gram-positive but showed the typical cell wall structure of Gram-negative bacteria, was isolated from an upflow anaerobic filter treating abattoir wastewaters in Tunisia. The strain, designated LIND7H(T), grew at 20-45 °C (optimum 35-40 °C) and at pH 5.0-8.5 (optimum pH 6.5-7.5). It did not require NaCl for growth, but was able to grow in the presence of up to 2 % NaCl. Sulfate, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, sulfite, nitrate and nitrite were not used as terminal electron acceptors. Strain LIND7H(T) used cellobiose, glucose, lactose, mannose, maltose, peptone, rhamnose, raffinose, sucrose and xylose as electron donors. The main fermentation products from glucose metabolism were lactate, acetate, butyrate and isobutyrate. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), C(15 : 0), C(17 : 0) 2-OH and a summed feature consisting of C(18 : 2)ω6,9c and/or anteiso-C(18 : 0), and the major menaquinones were MK-9, MK-9(H(2)) and MK-10. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.4 mol%. Although the closest phylogenetic relatives of strain LIND7H(T) were Parabacteroides merdae, Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Parabacteroides gordonii, analysis of the hsp60 gene sequence showed that strain LIND7H(T) was not a member of the genus Parabacteroides. On the basis of phylogenetic inference and phenotypic properties, strain LIND7H(T) ( = CCUG 60892(T) = DSM 23697(T) = JCM 16313(T)) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species in a new genus within the family Porphyromonadaceae, Macellibacteroides fermentans gen. nov., sp. nov.

Peptostreptococcus russellii sp. nov., isolated from a swine-manure storage pit.

Using a polyphasic approach, a taxonomic study was performed on seven strains of an unknown Gram-reaction-positive, non-spore-forming, obligately anaerobic coccus-shaped bacterium, isolated from a swine-manure storage pit. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that all seven isolates were highly related to each other and formed a hitherto unknown lineage within the clostridial rRNA XI cluster of organisms. Pairwise analysis demonstrated that the novel organism was most closely related to Peptostreptococcus anaerobius CCUG 7835(T) and Peptostreptococcus stomatis CCUG 51858(T) with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.5 and 93.0 %, respectively. The peptidoglycan type of the cell wall was determined to be A4α l-Lys-d-Asp and glucose, xylose and traces of mannose were detected as the cell-wall sugars. Based on biochemical, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence the unknown bacterium represents a new species of the genus Peptostreptococcus, for which the name Peptostreptococcus russellii sp. nov, is proposed. The type strain is RT-10B(T) ( = CCUG 58235(T)  = NRRL B-59380(T)  = DSM 23041(T)).

Mycobacterium europaeum sp. nov., a scotochromogenic species related to the Mycobacterium simiae complex.

Four strains isolated in the last 15 years were revealed to be identical in their 16S rRNA gene sequences to MCRO19, the sequence of which was deposited in GenBank in 1995. In a polyphasic analysis including phenotypic and genotypic features, the five strains (including MCRO19), which had been isolated in four European countries, turned out to represent a unique taxonomic entity. They are scotochromogenic slow growers and are genetically related to the group that included Mycobacterium simiae and 15 other species. The novel species Mycobacterium europaeum sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these five strains. Strain FI-95228(T) ( = DSM 45397(T)  = CCUG 58464(T)) was chosen as the type strain. In addition, a thorough revision of the phenotypic and genotypic characters of the species related to M. simiae was conducted which leads us to suggest the denomination of the 'Mycobacterium simiae complex' for this group.

Revision of the genus Massilia La Scola et al. 2000, with an emended description of the genus and inclusion of all species of the genus Naxibacter as new combinations, and proposal of Massilia consociata sp. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium originating from a human clinical specimen was studied for its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies clearly allocated this strain (CCUG 58010(T)) to the class Betaproteobacteria, closely related to members of the genera Massilia and Naxibacter. Naxibacter varians was shown to be the most closely related species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.5 %), followed by Massilia niastensis (96.8 %) and Massilia aerilata (96.4 %). Similarities to all other species of the genera Naxibacter and Massilia were in the range 93.9-96.2 %. Chemotaxonomic data (major ubiquinone: Q-8; major polar lipids: phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; and major fatty acids: summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH), C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)ω7c and C(12 : 0), with C(10 : 0) 3-OH as hydroxylated fatty acid) supported the affiliation of the isolate to these genera, which share these chemotaxonomic traits. DNA-DNA hybridization of strain CCUG 58010(T) with the type strain of N. varians CCUG 35299(T) resulted in a relatedness value of 39.2 % (reciprocal, 50 %) and physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from the most closely related species. There is currently no justification for a division of the genera Massilia and Naxibacter and for this reason a proposal is made to transfer all species of the genus Naxibacter to the genus Massilia, as Massilia alkalitolerans comb. nov., Massilia varians comb. nov., Massilia haematophila comb. nov. and Massilia suwonensis comb. nov. Strain CCUG 58010(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Massilia consociata sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CCUG 58010(T) ( = CCM 7792(T)).

Characterization of some bacterial strains isolated from animal clinical materials and identified as Corynebacterium xerosis by molecular biological techniques.

Eighteen Corynebacterium xerosis strains isolated from different animal clinical specimens were subjected to phenotypic and molecular genetic studies. On the basis of the results of the biochemical characterization, the strains were tentatively identified as C. xerosis. Phylogenetic analysis based on comparative analysis of the sequences of 16S rRNA and rpoB genes revealed that the 18 strains were highly related to C. xerosis, C. amycolatum, C. freneyi, and C. hansenii. There was a good concordance between 16S rRNA and partial rpoB gene sequencing results, although partial rpoB gene sequencing allowed better differentiation of C. xerosis. Alternatively, C. xerosis was also differentiated from C. freneyi and C. amycolatum by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic spacer region. Phenotypic characterization indicated that besides acid production from D-turanose and 5-ketogluconate, 90% of the strains were able to reduce nitrate. The absence of the fatty acids C(14:0), C(15:0), C(16:1)omega 7c, and C(17:1)omega 8c can also facilitate the differentiation of C. xerosis from closely related species. The results of the present investigation demonstrated that for reliable identification of C. xerosis strains from clinical samples, a combination of phenotypic and molecular-biology-based identification techniques is necessary.

Kinneretia asaccharophila gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater lake, a member of the Rubrivivax branch of the family Comamonadaceae.

A strictly aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium, strain KIN192(T), isolated from fresh water from Lake Kinneret, Israel, was examined using a polyphasic approach to characterize and clarify its phylogenetic and taxonomic position. Sequences of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes and ITS1 revealed close relationships to species of the genera Pelomonas, Mitsuaria and Roseateles, in the Rubrivivax branch of the family Comamonadaceae of the Betaproteobacteria. Physiological and biochemical tests, cellular fatty acid analysis and DNA-DNA hybridizations indicated that this strain should be assigned to a new genus and species in the Rubrivivax phylogenetic branch, for which the name Kinneretia asaccharophila gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Kinneretia asaccharophila is strain KIN192(T) (=CCUG 53117(T) =CECT 7319(T)).

Ochrobactrum pituitosum sp. nov., isolated from an industrial environment.

Strain CCUG 50899, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, motile bacterium isolated from industrial environment in Sweden and tentatively assigned to the species Ochrobactrum anthropi, was studied in order to clarify its taxonomic status. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities placed the strain in the genus Ochrobactrum, sharing highest similarity with the type strains of Ochrobactrum rhizosphaerae (99.3 %), Ochrobactrum thiophenivorans (98.7 %), Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonense (98.6 %) and Ochrobactrum grignonense (98.5 %). The fatty acid profile of [O. anthropi] CCUG 50899 (major fatty acids C(18 : 1)omega7c and C(19 : 0) cyclo omega8c and presence of C(18 : 1) 2-OH), the polar lipid profile (diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminolipids and an unknown phospholipid), the presence of the quinone system ubiquinone Q-10 and a polyamine pattern with the major compounds putrescine and spermidine and moderate amounts of sym-homospermidine supported its affiliation to the genus Ochrobactrum. DNA-DNA reassociation experiments with the type strains of its closest relatives O. rhizosphaerae, O. pseudogrignonense, O. thiophenivorans and O. grignonense demonstrated that [O. anthropi] CCUG 50899 should be placed in a novel species, which is distinguishable from related species by a set of biochemical traits. Based on these data, reclassification of [O. anthropi] CCUG 50899 as the type strain of a novel species appears to be justified. Hence, we describe a novel species to accommodate this strain, for which we propose the name Ochrobactrum pituitosum sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 50899(T) (=DSM 22207(T)).