Mussismilia braziliensis White Plague Disease Is Characterized by an Affected Coral Immune System and Dysbiosis.

Infectious diseases are one of the major drivers of coral reef decline worldwide. White plague-like disease (WPL) is a widespread disease with a complex etiology that infects several coral species, including the Brazilian endemic species Mussismilia braziliensis. Gene expression profiles of healthy and WPL-affected M. braziliensis were analyzed in winter and summer seasons. The de novo assembly of the M. braziliensis transcriptome from healthy and white plague samples produced a reference transcriptome containing 119,088 transcripts. WPL-diseased samples were characterized by repression of immune system and cellular defense processes. Autophagy and cellular adhesion transcripts were also repressed in WPL samples, suggesting exhaustion of the coral host defenses. Seasonal variation leads to plasticity in transcription with upregulation of intracellular signal transduction, apoptosis regulation, and oocyte development in the summer. Analysis of the active bacterial rRNA indicated that Pantoea bacteria were more abundant in WPL corals, while Tistlia, Fulvivirga, and Gammaproteobacteria Ga0077536 were more abundant in healthy samples. Cyanobacteria proliferation was also observed in WPL, mostly in the winter. These results indicate a scenario of dysbiosis in WPL-affected M. braziliensis, with the loss of potentially symbiotic bacteria and proliferation of opportunistic microbes after the start of the infection process.

Modelling the influence of environmental parameters over marine planktonic microbial communities using artificial neural networks.

Guanabara Bay is a tropical estuarine ecosystem that receives massive anthropogenic impacts from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. This ecosystem suffers from an ongoing eutrophication process that has been shown to promote the emergence of potentially pathogenic bacteria, giving rise to public health concerns. Although previous studies have investigated how environmental parameters influence the microbial community of Guanabara Bay, they often have been limited to small spatial and temporal gradients and have not been integrated into predictive mathematical models. Our objective was to fill this knowledge gap by building models that could predict how temperature, salinity, phosphorus, nitrogen and transparency work together to regulate the abundance of bacteria, chlorophyll and Vibrio (a potential human pathogen) in Guanabara Bay. To that end, we built artificial neural networks to model the associations between these variables. These networks were carefully validated to ensure that they could provide accurate predictions without biases or overfitting. The estimated models displayed high predictive capacity (Pearson correlation coefficients ≥0.67 and root mean square error ≤ 0.55). Our findings showed that temperature and salinity were often the most important factors regulating the abundance of bacteria, chlorophyll and Vibrio (absolute importance ≥5) and that each of these has a unique level of dependence on nitrogen and phosphorus for their growth. These models allowed us to estimate the Guanabara Bay microbiome's response to changes in environmental conditions, which allowed us to propose strategies for the management and remediation of Guanabara Bay.

First detection of bovine papillomavirus type 2 in cutaneous wart lesions from ovines.

This study diagnosed cutaneous wart lesions excised from three rams from a sheep farm in São Paulo State, Brazil. Histopathologically, these cases were diagnosed as papilloma. The amplification by PCR, sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed that all the lesions presented DNA sequences of bovine papillomavirus type 2. This is the first report confirming the detection of BPV2 in papilloma warts from ovines.

Who Cares? Sociodemographic and Health Characteristics of Carers of Older Persons in Jamaica / ¿Quién cuida? Características Sociodemográficas y de Salud de los Cuidadores de Personas Mayores en Jamaica

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and health characteristics and implied needs of caregivers to older persons in Jamaica. Method: This was a community-based, nationally representative study in which a sample of 180 caregivers to older persons was interviewed. Findings: Caregivers were aged between 18 and 88 years (mean 50.5; s = 14.7) and most (77%) were informal compared to 23% who were paid to care. There were no differences between urban and rural caregivers with respect to gender, union status, residing with care recipients and holding a regular job while giving care. Urban caregivers were significantly more likely to report attaining secondary education than those in rural communities (χ2 (2) = 7.40, p < 0.05). Over 90% reported they had not received any formal training in caregiving and those ≤ 45 years were more likely than those in age groups ≥ 46 years to say they want to get caregiver training (χ2 (4) = 27.1, p < 0.001). Male caregivers were significantly more likely to report being the 'child/grandchild/in-law' of care recipients than female caregivers, among whom almost one in four reported their relationship as employee (Fisher's Exact test: p = 0.002). Most caregivers (51.7%) reported being diagnosed with one or more medical condition and 89% of those diagnosed reported being prescribed medications for their illnesses. Forty-five per cent of caregivers reported that they performed one or more activity of daily living (ADL) for their care recipients daily. Conclusion: Carers of older persons in Jamaica are predominantly family members, most have not received caregiving training and most have been diagnosed with a medical condition.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y de salud, así como las necesidades implícitas de los cuidadores de las personas mayores en Jamaica. Método: Se trata de un estudio comunitario representativo a nivel nacional, en el que se entrevista una muestra de 180 cuidadores de personas de edad. Resultados: Los cuidadores tenían entre 18 y 88 años (media 50.5; s.d. = 14.7) y la mayoría (77%) eran informales en comparación con el 23% que recibían pago por el cuidado. No hubo diferencias entre los cuidadores urbanos y rurales con respecto a género, estado civil, residir con las personas objeto del cuidado, y mantener un trabajo regular a la par con la atención a los ancianos. Los cuidadores urbanos presentaban una probabilidad significativamente mayor de haber alcanzado educación secundaria en comparación con aquellos de las comunidades rurales (χ2 (2) = 7.40, p < 0.05). Más del 90% reportó no haber recibido ninguna capacitación formal en cuidados, y aquellos con ≤ 45 años eran más propensos que los de los grupos de edad ≥ 46 años a decir que deseaban recibir entrenamiento como cuidadores (χ2 (4) = 27.1, p < 0.001). Los cuidadores hombres presentaban una probabilidad significativamente mayor de ser "hijo/nieto/yerno" de personas receptoras de cuidados, que las mujeres cuidadoras, entre las cuales casi una de cada cuatro reportó su relación como empleado (Prueba exacta de Fisher: p = 0.002). La mayoría de los cuidadores (51.7%) reportaron estar diagnosticados con una o más condiciones médicas, y el 89% de los diagnosticados reportaron recibir prescripciones de medicamentos para sus enfermedades. Cuarenta y cinco por ciento de los cuidadores informó realizar una o más actividades de la vida diaria (AVD) para las personas bajo su cuidado diariamente. Conclusión: Los cuidadores de personas mayores en Jamaica son en su mayoría miembros de la familia; la mayor parte de ellos no ha recibido capacitación como cuidadores; y la mayoría han sido diagnosticados con alguna condición médica.

Sinking Teeth into Dental Health of Older Adults in Jamaica / Compromiso Entusiasta con la Salud Dental de los Adultos Mayores en Jamaica

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe the prevalence of tooth loss, denture use and dental care utilization among older persons by age, gender, union, residence, education, chronic illness and health insurance status and to identify independent predictors of dental service use and tooth loss. Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a nationally representative sample of 2943 older persons in Jamaica was conducted. Data related to tooth loss, dental care use and sociodemographic data were obtained. Relationships between variables were assessed in bivariate analyses and logistic regression models subsequently developed to identify predictors of tooth loss and dental care use. Results: Tooth loss (any) prevalence was 94% and among those who reported tooth loss, 61.1% had dentures: the majority of those with dentures reported using them. Non-use was mainly related to damaged denture or discomfort. Only 35% of persons reported a dental visit within the last 12 months. Age, union status and educational level were significant predictors of both tooth loss and dental visit within the past year. Additionally, gender, residence and having health insurance predicted dental care utilization. Conclusion: Dental health issues are important in the care of older persons and assume increasing relevance given rapid ageing of the population. Jamaica must craft strategies to address emergent needs in its response to the challenges of oral healthcare for older persons.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia de la pérdida de dientes, el uso de prótesis dentales, y la utilización de la atención dental entre las personas mayores por edad, género, estado civil, residencia, educación, enfermedad crónica, y posesión de seguro médico, e identificar predictores independientes de la utilización de la atención dental, así como de la pérdida de dientes. Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta transversal utilizando una muestra representativa de 2943 personas de edad a nivel nacional en Jamaica. Se obtuvo datos sobre la pérdida de dientes, el uso de los servicios dentales, y la demografía. Las relaciones entre las variables se evaluaron en análisis bivariados y modelos de regresión logística desarrollados posteriormente para identificar los predictores de la pérdida de dientes y la utilización de la atención dental. Resultados: La prevalencia de la pérdida de dientes (cualesquiera) fue 94%, y entre los que informaron pérdida de dientes, un 61.1% utilizaban prótesis dentales: la mayoría de los que utilizaban prótesis dentales reportaron su uso. El no uso se relacionó principalmente con prótesis dentales dañadas o molestias. Sólo el 35% de las personas reportaron una visita dental en los últimos 12 meses. La edad, el estado civil, y el nivel educacional fueron predictores significativos de la pérdida de dientes y la visita dental el año anterior. Además, el género, la residencia y la posesión del seguro médico fueron predictores de la utilización de la atención dental. Conclusión: Los problemas de salud dental son importantes en el cuidado de las personas de edad y adquieren una relevancia creciente dado el rápido envejecimiento de la población. Jamaica debe elaborar estrategias para abordar las necesidades emergentes en su respuesta a los desafíos de la salud oral de las personas mayores.

Proposal of fifteen new species of Parasynechococcus based on genomic, physiological and ecological features.

Members of the recently proposed genus Parasynechococcus (Cyanobacteria) are extremely abundant throughout the global ocean and contribute significantly to global primary productivity. However, the taxonomy of these organisms remains poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to propose a new taxonomic framework for Parasynechococcus based on a genomic taxonomy approach that incorporates genomic, physiological and ecological data. Through in silico DNA-DNA hybridization, average amino acid identity, dinucleotide signatures and phylogenetic reconstruction, a total of 15 species of Parasynechococcus could be delineated. Each species was then described on the basis of their gene content, light and nutrient utilization strategies, geographical distribution patterns throughout the oceans and response to environmental parameters.

Typification of virulent and low virulence Babesia bigemina clones by 18S rRNA and rap-1c.

The population structure of original Babesia bigemina isolates and reference strains with a defined phenotypic profile was assessed using 18S rRNA and rap-1c genes. Two reference strains, BbiS2P-c (virulent) and BbiS1A-c (low virulence), were biologically cloned in vitro. The virulence profile of the strains and clones was assessed in vivo. One fully virulent and one low-virulence clone were mixed in identical proportions to evaluate their growth efficiency in vitro. Each clone was differentiated by two microsatellites and the gene gp45. The 18S rRNA and rap-1c genes sequences from B. bigemina biological clones and their parental strains, multiplied exclusively in vivo or in vitro, were compared with strain JG-29. The virulence of clones derived from the BbiS2P-c strain was variable. Virulent clone Bbi9P1 grew more efficiently in vitro than did the low-virulence clone Bbi2A1. The haplotypes generated by the nucleotide polymorphism, localized in the V4 region of the 18S rRNA, allowed the identification of three genotypes. The rap-1c haplotypes allowed defining four genotypes. Parental and original strains were defined by multiple haplotypes identified in both genes. The rap-1c gene, analyzed by high-resolution melting (HRM), allowed discrimination between two genotypes according to their phenotype, and both were different from JG-29. B. bigemina biological clones made it possible to define the population structure of isolates and strains. The polymorphic regions of the 18S rRNA and rap-1c genes allowed the identification of different subpopulations within original B. bigemina isolates by the definition of several haplotypes and the differentiation of fully virulent from low virulence clones.

Expression and in Silico analysis of the recombinant bovine papillomavirus E6 protein as a model for viral oncoproteins studies.

Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) are recognized as the causal agents of economical relevant diseases in cattle, associated with the development of tumors in skin and mucosa. The oncogenesis process is mainly associated with different viral oncoprotein expressions, which are involved in cell transformation. The expression and characterization of recombinant viral oncoproteins represent an attractive strategy to obtain biotechnological products as antibodies and potential vaccines, Thus, the aim of this work was to clone and express the BPV-1 and BPV-2 E6 recombinant proteins and perform in silico analysis in order to develop a strategy for the systematic study of other papillomaviruses oncoproteins. The results demonstrated that BPV-1 and BPV-2 E6 recombinant proteins were expressed and purified from bacterial system as well as its in silico analysis was performed in order to explore and predict biological characteristics of these proteins.

Babesia bovis biological clones and the inter-strain allelic diversity of the Bv80 gene support subpopulation selection as a mechanism involved in the attenuation of two virulent isolates.

The virulence phenotype of Babesia bovis subpopulations was evaluated using biological clones derived from the high-virulence BboS2P and the low-virulence BboR1A strain and two original virulent isolates, BboL15 and BboL17, multiplied extensively in vitro or attenuated by successive passages in splenectomized calves. The virulence phenotype was assessed both by inoculation of normal Holstein adult steers and by analyses of polymorphic fragments of the single-copy Bv80 gene as a subpopulation marker. BboS2P and its nine derived clones contained a single 750 bp fragment with identical nucleotide sequences and numbers of repeats. A single fragment of approximately 850 bp was observed in BboR1A and its derived clones (Ca3B1, Ca2B1). Ca3B1 and Ca2B1 were differentiated by a stable deletion of 15 contiguous nucleotides in the Bv80 allele of Ca3B1. Both alleles were identified in the parental strain. Original isolates BboL15 and BboL17 contained two Bv80 fragments of different sizes. Interestingly, the heavy and light fragments persisted in the in vivo-attenuated strains and the virulent in vitro-multiplied strains, respectively. Despite the inter-strain allelic diversity of the Bv80 gene, the fragments had identical nucleotide sequences and numbers of repeats compared to their respective parental Bv80 genes. The high-virulence and low-virulence phenotypes remained unchanged after they were multiplied in vitro. In conclusion, the polymorphic B. bovis Bv80 gene, was a useful marker for differentiating subpopulations with different phenotypes. The brevity of the procedure to isolate one parasite from the original isolate or strain before in vitro cloning and the fact that the continuous in vitro multiplication did not modify the virulence phenotype of B. bovis clones strongly suggest that the in vivo-attenuated subpopulations existed in the original isolates before they were selected by passages in splenectomized calves.

The Synthesium Brachycladiidae Odhner, 1905 (Digenea) association with hosts based on nuclear and mitochondrial genes.

Synthesium pontoporiae, exclusive parasite of the endangered dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is endemic and restricted to the South Atlantic and belongs to the Brachycladiidae family Odhner, 1905. The study of this family has been limited by the difficulty of accessing the parasites from their marine mammal hosts and as a consequence there is a paucity of genetic information available. Herein we present a genetic analysis using 18S rDNA sequences of S. pontoporiae and S. tursionis and the ND3 mtDNA sequence of S. pontoporiae. The genetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequences of brachycladiids and acanthocolpids determined two major clusters associated with their definitive hosts, marine mammals and fishes, respectively. Considering the tree topology of brachycladiids ND3 mtDNA gene, two clusters were defined, one with the Synthesium species. This work contributes with fundamental genetic information on S. pontoporiae, and suggests a Brachycladiidae genetic evolution related to their hosts.

Observations of hand preference in wild groups of white-faced sakis (Pithecia pithecia) in Suriname.

Hand preference is well observed in humans and some primates. Unlike many other primates, however, humans show a consistent hand preference across a variety of tasks, and a distinct right-handed skew at the population level. Although there are a moderate number of published studies, primate hand preference literature is unbalanced by the large number of studies on only a few species. No previous studies have addressed hand preference in white-faced sakis (WFS; Pithecia pithecia). We followed three habituated groups of wild WFS in Suriname and recorded individual hand preference for six different manual behaviors. There was no consistent hand preference across a range of uni-manual behaviors for any individual. Likewise, there were significantly more ambidextrous individuals in the population than expected (χ(2) (df = 2) = 11.2, P = 0.004) and thus, no population level hand preference. Our findings contribute baseline data to the debate of primate hand lateralization, and support the notion that lateralization of hand function does not characterize all species.

The novel protein BboRhop68 is expressed by intraerythrocytic stages of Babesia bovis.

The apical complex of intracellular hemoparasites contains organelles like micronemes and rhoptries, specialized structures required for adherence and invasion of host cells. Several molecules discharged from rhoptries have been identified from Plasmodium spp., but only a single rhoptry associated protein-1 (RAP-1) has been characterized from Babesia bovis. In silico search of the B. bovis genome allowed to identifying a sequence homologous to the gene that encodes a P. falciparum rhoptry protein PfRhop148. The intron-less 1830 bp novel gene, predicted a 68kDa protein, and it was highly conserved among different B. bovis strains and isolates. The deducted protein from the B. bovis T2Bo strain, named BboRhop68, showed two putative transmembrane domains, at least seven B-cell epitopes, and a well conserved DUF501 super family domain. The bborhop68 gene was amplified, analyzed and compared among different B. bovis strains and isolates showing overall high sequence conservation. A fragment of bborhop68 was expressed as a recombinant fusion protein (rBboRhop68). The mice anti-rBboRhop68 serum identified the novel protein in intraerythrocytic trophozoites and merozoites by WB and ELISA, but not in free merozoites. Sera from naturally and experimentally infected bovines also recognized BboRhop68, suggesting that it is expressed and immunogenic during B. bovis infection. Fluorescence microscopy analysis using anti-rBboRhop68 antibodies showed a rod structure associated to trophozoites and merozoites infected erythrocytes, but this pattern of reactivity was not observed in free merozoites. The BboRhop68 was also not detected in ELISA based on solubilized merozoites. Thus, at least three independent lines of evidence support differential expression of BboRhop68 in intraerythrocytic stages of B. bovis and its possible functional role immediately after B. bovis erythrocyte invasion. The results of this work suggest that BboRhop68 could be considered as a novel additional target for developing improved methods to control bovine babesiosis.

Genomic diversity of vibrios associated with the Brazilian coral Mussismilia hispida and its sympatric zoanthids (Palythoa caribaeorum, Palythoa variabilis and Zoanthus solanderi).

AIMS: A taxonomic survey of the vibrios associated with the Brazilian endemic coral Mussismilia hispida and the sympatric zoanthids (i.e. Palythoa caribaeorum, Palythoa variabilis and Zoanthus solanderi). METHODS AND RESULTS: Mucus of 54 cnidarian specimens collected in three different places at São Sebastião in two consecutive years (i.e. 2005 and 2006) was used for taxonomic characterization of the cnidarian microbiota. Ninety-eight of the 151 vibrio isolates fell within the vibrio core group according to partial 16S rDNA sequences. We performed the sequencing of recA and pyrH genes of all vibrio isolates. The most abundant taxa belonged to the vibrio core group (Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio rotiferianus, Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio alginolyticus), Vibrio mediterranei (=Vibrio shillonii) and Vibrio chagasii. With the exception of V. chagasii which was found only in the mucus of M. hispida, the other species appeared in different hosts with no evidence for the presence of host-specific clones or species. Using rep-PCR analysis, we observed a high genomic heterogeneity within the vibrios. Each vibrio isolate generated a different rep-PCR fingerprint pattern. There was a complete agreement between the grouping based on rep-PCR and concatenated sequences of pyrH, recA and 16S rDNA, but the pyrH gene has the highest discriminatory power for vibrio species identification. CONCLUSION: The vibrio core group is dominant in the mucus of these cnidarians. There is a tremendous diversity of vibrio lineages within the coral mucus. pyrH gene sequences permit a clear-cut identification of vibrios. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The taxonomic resolution provided by pyrH (but not recA) appears to be enough for identifying species of vibrios and for disclosing putative new taxa. The vibrio core group appears to be dominant in the mucus of the Brazilian cnidarians. The overrepresentation of these vibrios may reflect as yet unknown ecological functions in the coral holobiont.

[Clinical mycoplasmosis outbreak due to Mycoplasma ovis in sheep from Shalta, Argentina. Clinical, microbiological and molecular diagnosis]. / Brote de micoplasmosis clínica por Mycoplasma ovis en ovinos de Salta, Argentina. Diagnóstico clínico, microbiológico y molecular.

Mycoplasma ovis is an obligatory parasite of the erythrocytes from small ruminants (sheep, goat), wherein it causes chronic or acute anaemia. This agent shows worldwide distribution. However, its dispersion is still unknown in Argentina. This work describes an outbreak of mycoplasmosis occurred in January 2007 in a sheep flock from Rosario de la Frontera, Salta, Argentina. Adult sheep became ill with a mortality rate of 17.8%. All blood smears (n = 11) examined by Giemsa stain showed the presence of small basophile bodies characteristic of M. ovis infection, indicating a high prevalence of the infection in the flock. The molecular diagnosis (n = 9) confirmed the findings through the amplification of two fragments from the 16S rRNA gene. This is the third report of M. ovis in Argentina and the first one concomitant with clinical signs at flock level.

The evolution of emergency medicine in Jamaica / La evolución de la medicina de emergencia en Jamaica

Emergency Medicine in Jamaica has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years and has gained recognition as a specialty. A residency training programme has been established, trademark life support courses are now available, moves to develop areas of sub-specialization have begun and an emergency medicine association has been formed. There has been an increase in the diagnostic modalities in the main teaching institution, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). There is an urgent need for improvements in pre-hospital care. This will require the development of an efficient Emergency Medical Service (EMS). More emphasis and attention is required on disaster medicine, toxicology and trauma. Increased training of emergency physicians and nurses, advances in academia and research, and greater advocacy by local emergency physicians will further advance the specialty.

La medicina de emergencia en Jamaica ha evolucionado rápidamente en el curso de los últimos 20 años, y ha ganado reconocimiento como especialidad. Se ha establecido un programa de entrenamiento de residencia, y existen en la actualidad cursos comerciales en soporte de vida, se han iniciado movimientos para desarrollar áreas de sub-especialización, y se ha creado una asociación de medicina de emergencia. Ha habido un aumento en las modalidades de diagnóstico en la principal institución docente - el Hospital Universitario de West Indies (UHWI). Existe una necesidad urgente de lograr mejoras en el cuidado pre-hospitalario. Esto requerirá el desarrollo de Servicios Médicos de Emergencia (SME) eficientes. Se requiere más énfasis y atención a la medicina de desastre, toxicología y trauma. El aumento de entrenamiento de médicos y enfermeras de emergencia, los avances en la academia y la investigación, y una mayor defensa de los médicos de emergencia local, contribuirán al ulterior progreso de la especialidad.

The evolution of emergency medicine in Jamaica.

Emergency Medicine in Jamaica has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years and has gained recognition as a specialty. A residency training programme has been established, trademark life support courses are now available, moves to develop areas of sub-specialization have begun and an emergency medicine association has been formed. There has been an increase in the diagnostic modalities in the main teaching institution, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). There is an urgent need for improvements in pre-hospital care. This will require the development of an efficient Emergency Medical Service (EMS). More emphasis and attention is required on disaster medicine, toxicology and trauma. Increased training of emergency physicians and nurses, advances in academia and research, and greater advocacy by local emergency physicians will further advance the specialty.

Phylogeny and molecular identification of vibrios on the basis of multilocus sequence analysis.

We analyzed the usefulness of rpoA, recA, and pyrH gene sequences for the identification of vibrios. We sequenced fragments of these loci from a collection of 208 representative strains, including 192 well-documented Vibrionaceae strains and 16 presumptive Vibrio isolates associated with coral bleaching. In order to determine the intraspecies variation among the three loci, we included several representative strains per species. The phylogenetic trees constructed with the different genetic loci were roughly in agreement with former polyphasic taxonomic studies, including the 16S rRNA-based phylogeny of vibrios. The families Vibrionaceae, Photobacteriaceae, Enterovibrionaceae, and Salinivibrionaceae were all differentiated on the basis of each genetic locus. Each species clearly formed separated clusters with at least 98, 94, and 94% rpoA, recA, and pyrH gene sequence similarity, respectively. The genus Vibrio was heterogeneous and polyphyletic, with Vibrio fischeri, V. logei, and V. wodanis grouping closer to the Photobacterium genus. V. halioticoli-, V. harveyi-, V. splendidus-, and V. tubiashii-related species formed groups within the genus Vibrio. Overall, the three genetic loci were more discriminatory among species than were 16S rRNA sequences. In some cases, e.g., within the V. splendidus and V. tubiashii group, rpoA gene sequences were slightly less discriminatory than recA and pyrH sequences. In these cases, the combination of several loci will yield the most robust identification. We can conclude that strains of the same species will have at least 98, 94, and 94% rpoA, recA, and pyrH gene sequence similarity, respectively.

Photobacterium rosenbergii sp. nov. and Enterovibrio coralii sp. nov., vibrios associated with coral bleaching.

Six new Vibrio-like isolates originating from different species of bleached and healthy corals around Magnetic Island (Australia) were investigated using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA, recA and rpoA gene sequences split the isolates in two new groups. Strains LMG 22223(T), LMG 22224, LMG 22225, LMG 22226 and LMG 22227 were phylogenetic neighbours of Photobacterium leiognathi LMG 4228(T) (95.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), whereas strain LMG 22228(T) was related to Enterovibrio norvegicus LMG 19839(T) (95.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The two new groups can be distinguished from closely related species on the basis of several phenotypic features, including fermentation of d-mannitol, melibiose and sucrose, and utilization of different compounds as carbon sources, arginine dihydrolase activity, nitrate reduction, resistance to the vibriostatic agent O/129 and the presence of fatty acids 15 : 0 iso and 17 : 0 iso. The names Photobacterium rosenbergii sp. nov. (type strain LMG 22223(T)=CBMAI 622(T)=CC1(T)) and Enterovibrio coralii sp. nov. (type strain LMG 22228(T)=CBMAI 623(T)=CC17(T)) are proposed to accommodate these new isolates. The G+C contents of the DNA of the two type strains are respectively 47.6 and 48.2 mol%.