Desulfovibrio idahonensis sp. nov., sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from a metal(loid)-contaminated freshwater sediment.

Two novel sulfate-reducing bacteria, strains CY1T and CY2, were isolated from heavy-metal-contaminated sediments of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA. Strains CY1T and CY2 were found to contain c-type cytochromes and to reduce sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, DMSO, anthraquinone disulfonate and fumarate using lactate as an electron donor. In a comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences, CY1T and CY2 were found to be 100% identical, but only 97 and 92.4% similar, respectively, to the type strains of Desulfovibrio mexicanus and Desulfovibrio aminophilus. Unlike these species, however, CY1T was neither able to disproportionate thiosulfate nor able to use yeast extract or amino acids as electron donors. These data, considered in conjunction with differences among strain CY1T and the two related type strains in chemotaxonomy, riboprint patterns, temperature and pH optima, support recognition of a distinct and novel species within the genus Desulfovibrio, Desulfovibrio idahonensis sp. nov., with the type strain CY1T (=DSM 15450T=JCM 14124T).

Streptomyces atriruber sp. nov. and Streptomyces silaceus sp. nov., two novel species of equine origin.

Two actinomycete strains, NRRL B-24165(T) and NRRL B-24166(T), isolated from lesions on equine placentas in Kentucky, USA, were analysed using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, morphological observations and the presence of ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in whole-cell hydrolysates, the new isolates clearly belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Analyses of the phylogenetic positions of strains NRRL B-24165(T) and NRRL B-24166(T) based on 16S rRNA gene sequences of all recognized species of the genus Streptomyces, as well as evaluation of morphological and physiological characteristics, demonstrated that the new isolates could be differentiated from all recognized species and therefore represented novel species. It is proposed that the new strains represent two novel species for which the names Streptomyces atriruber sp. nov. (type strain NRRL B-24165(T)=DSM 41860(T)=LDDC 6330-99(T)) and Streptomyces silaceus sp. nov. (NRRL B-24166(T)=DSM 41861(T)=LDDC 6638-99(T)) are proposed. The species names are based on the distinctive colours of the substrate mycelium of these strains, dark red and deep orange-yellow, respectively.

Paenibacillus tylopili sp.nov., a chitinolytic bacterium isolated from the mycorhizosphere of Tylopilus felleus.

Two chitinolytic bacterial strains (designated MK2(T) and V7) were isolated from the mycorhizosphere of the fungus Tylopilus felleus. The strains were facultatively anaerobic G(+) endospore formers. Physiological analysis and 16S rRNA gene PCR-RFLP assays revealed nearly identical profiles for both strains, demonstrating their relationship at the species level. Sequences specific for the genus Paenibacillus were found within the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain MK2(T). The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed the highest similarity to the sequences of Paenibacillus amylolyticus, P. pabuli and P. xylanilyticus. DNA-DNA relatedness of the strain with the type strain of P. amylolyticus was 4.95 %, of P. pabuli 38.0 %, and of P. xylanilyticus 46.3 %, indicating no relatedness between MK2(T) and any of them at the species level. The most abundant fatty acids in strains MK2(T) and V7 were anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0), iso-C(15:0) and n-C(16:0). DNA-DNA relatedness, morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic analyses, and phylogenetic data based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing made it possible to describe both strains as the novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus tylopili is proposed, the type strain being MK2(T) (DSM 18927(T), LMG 23975(T)).

Proposal for the new genus Allokutzneria gen. nov. within the suborder Pseudonocardineae and transfer of Kibdelosporangium albatum Tomita et al. 1993 as Allokutzneria albata comb. nov.

During the course of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences for all currently described taxa within the family Pseudonocardineae, it became evident that Kibdelosporangium albatum DSM 44149(T) was misplaced within the genus Kibdelosporangium and is phylogenetically most closely related to the genus Kutzneria. Chemotaxonomic analyses revealed that Kibdelosporangium albatum differed from Kutzneria in containing arabinose as well as galactose and mannose as diagnostic whole-cell sugars. The polar lipid pattern was distinct from both Kibdelosporangium and Kutzneria species in containing phosphatidylethanolamine containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine and lyso-phosphatidylmethylethanolamine as well as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. These data preclude the inclusion of this strain within the genus Kutzneria or Kibdelosporangium and a new genus is proposed, to be named Allokutzneria gen. nov. The type species of this new genus is Allokutzneria albata gen. nov., comb. nov., the type strain of which is R761-7(T) (=NRRL B-24461(T) =DSM 44149(T) =ATCC 55061(T)).

Proposal of Goodfellowiella gen. nov. to replace the illegitimate genus name Goodfellowia Labeda and Kroppenstedt 2006.

The prokaryotic, generic name Goodfellowia Labeda and Kroppenstedt 2006 is illegitimate because it is a later homonym of the name Goodfellowia Hartert, 1903 (Animalia, Chordata, Aves, Passeriformes, Sturnidae) [Principle 2 of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision)]. A new genus name, Goodfellowiella, is therefore proposed for this taxon (Rule 54). This also requires that a new combination, Goodfellowiella coeruleoviolacea comb. nov., be proposed for the type species to replace the illegitimate combination Goodfellowia coeruleoviolacea (Preobrazhenskaya and Terekhova 1987) Labeda and Kroppenstedt 2006.

Proposal of Umezawaea gen. nov., a new genus of the Actinosynnemataceae related to Saccharothrix, and transfer of Saccharothrix tangerinus Kinoshita et al. 2000 as Umezawaea tangerina gen. nov., comb. nov.

In the course of phylogenetic analyses of the taxa within the suborder Pseudonocardineae, it was observed that Saccharothrix tangerinus MK27-91F2(T) was misplaced in the genus Saccharothrix. After a detailed examination of nucleotide signatures in the 16S rRNA gene sequence along with the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of this strain, which are different from those of all species of Saccharothrix as well as the other genera within the suborder, it was concluded that this strain represents a new genus, for which the name Umezawaea gen. nov. is proposed. Pseudosporangia are produced on the aerial mycelium, the whole-cell sugar pattern consists of galactose, mannose and ribose, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine are the predominant phospholipids and MK-9(H(4)) is the predominant menaquinone. The type species of the proposed new genus is Umezawaea tangerina gen. nov., comb. nov., with the type strain MK27-91F2(T) (=NRRL B-24463(T) =DSM 44720(T) =FERM P-16053(T) =JCM 10302(T) =NBRC 16184(T)).

Lentzea kentuckyensis sp. nov., of equine origin.

A novel actinomycete, designated strain LDDC 2876-05(T), was isolated from an equine placenta during the course of routine diagnostic tests for nocardioform placentitis. In a preliminary study, the strain was observed to be phylogenetically distinct from the genera Crossiella and Amycolatopsis and probably a member of the genus Lentzea. A polyphasic study of strain LDDC 2876-05(T) confirmed its identification as a member of Lentzea on the basis of its chemotaxonomic and morphological similarity to all of the known species of the genus. Moreover, the strain could be distinguished from other species with validly published names on the basis of its phylogenetic and physiological characteristics and its fatty acid profile. Therefore strain LDDC 2876-05(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lentzea, for which the name Lentzea kentuckyensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LDDC 2876-05(T) (=NRRL B-24416(T) =DSM 44909(T)).

Lysobacter defluvii sp. nov., isolated from municipal solid waste.

A bacterial isolate obtained from soil from a municipal landfill site in India was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The colonies of the isolate were found to be yellow and highly mucoid. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this isolate constitutes a distinct phyletic line within the genus Lysobacter, displaying >3 % sequence divergence with respect to recognized Lysobacter species. The generic assignment was confirmed by chemotaxonomic data, which revealed the presence of a fatty acid profile characteristic of members of the genus Lysobacter and consisting of saturated, unsaturated, straight-chain and branched-chain fatty acids as well as iso-C(11 : 0) 3-OH as hydroxylated fatty acid, and the presence of an ubiquinone with eight isoprene units (Q-8) as the predominant respiratory quinone. The genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain IMMIB APB-9(T) merits classification as representing a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter defluvii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMMIB APB-9(T) (=CCUG 53152(T)=DSM 18482(T)).

Leucobacter iarius sp. nov., in the family Microbacteriaceae.

A novel Gram-positive bacterium, strain 40(T), was isolated in the course of identifying bacteria from infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema thermophilum. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis, strain 40(T) was found to be related to the type strains of recognized species of the genus Leucobacter, family Microbacteriaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of strain 40(T) and Leucobacter albus IAM 14851(T), Leucobacter luti LMG 23118(T), Leucobacter alluvii LMG 23117(T), Leucobacter komagatae DSM 8803(T), Leucobacter chromiireducens CIP 108389(T) and Leucobacter aridicollis CIP 108388(T), respectively, were 97.3, 97.5, 97.6, 97.6, 97.6 and 98.5 %. Chemotaxonomic analysis also supported the affiliation of strain 40(T) to the genus Leucobacter: the major menaquinone was MK-11, the peptidoglycan cross-linkage was of the B-type, the cell wall diamino acid was L-diaminobutyric acid and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) (42 %), anteiso-C(17 : 0) (34 %) and iso-C(16 : 0) (16 %). Based upon the biochemical and genomic analyses, strain 40(T) is sufficiently distinct from the type strains of recognized Leucobacter species to warrant the description of a novel species, for which the name Leucobacter iarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain 40(T) (=DSM 17402(T)=CIP 108831(T)).

Desulfosporosinus lacus sp. nov., a sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from pristine freshwater lake sediments.

A novel sulfate-reducing bacterium was isolated from pristine sediments of Lake Stechlin, Germany. This strain, STP12(T), was found to contain predominantly c-type cytochromes and to reduce sulfate, sulfite and thiosulfate using lactate as an electron donor. Although STP12(T) could not utilize elemental sulfur as an electron acceptor, it could support growth by dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction. In a comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences, STP12(T) was 96.7 % similar to Desulfosporosinus auripigmenti DSM 13351(T), 96.5 % similar to Desulfosporosinus meridiei DSM 13257(T) and 96.4 % similar to Desulfosporosinus orientis DSM 765(T). DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed that strain STP12(T) shows only 32 % reassociation with the type strain of the type species of the genus, D. orientis DSM 765(T). These data, considered in conjunction with strain-specific differences in heavy metal tolerance, cell-wall chemotaxonomy and riboprint patterns, support recognition of strain STP12(T) (=DSM 15449(T)=JCM 12239(T)) as the type strain of a distinct and novel species within the genus Desulfosporosinus, Desulfosporosinus lacus sp. nov.

Agrococcus lahaulensis sp. nov., isolated from a cold desert of the Indian Himalayas.

The taxonomic position of a lemon-yellow-pigmented actinobacterium, strain K22-21(T), isolated from a soil sample from Lahaul-Spiti Valley in the Indian Himalayas, was determined using a polyphasic approach. The strain had phenotypic and chemical properties that were consistent with its classification in the genus Agrococcus. Alignment of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain K22-21(T) with sequences from Agrococcus jenensis DSM 9580(T), Agrococcus baldri DSM 14215(T) and Agrococcus citreus DSM 12453(T) revealed similarities of 98.5, 96.8 and 96.6 %, respectively. However, the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain K22-21(T) and A. jenensis was 55.1 %. The novel strain could be distinguished from type strains of the three species of the genus Agrococcus using DNA-DNA relatedness and phenotypic data. Based on these differences, strain K22-21(T) (=MTCC 7154(T)=DSM 17612(T)) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species of Agrococcus, for which the name Agrococcus lahaulensis sp. nov. is proposed.

Kocuria himachalensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from the Indian Himalayas.

A reddish orange bacterium, strain K07-05(T), was isolated from soil during a study of the bacterial diversity of a cold desert of the Indian Himalayas and was studied by using a polyphasic approach. The organism had morphological and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Kocuria. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain K07-05(T) was closely related to Kocuria rosea DSM 20447(T) and Kocuria polaris MTCC 3702(T) (98.1 and 97.8 % sequence similarity, respectively), whereas the sequence similarity values with respect to the other Kocuria species with validly published names were between 96.4 and 94.2 %. However, the genomic relatedness, as shown by DNA-DNA hybridization, of strain K07-05(T) and K. polaris MTCC 3702(T) is 49.5 % and that with K. rosea MTCC 2522(T) is 24.0 %. The DNA G+C content of the strain is 75.3 mol%. The above data in combination with the phenotypic distinctiveness of K07-05(T) clearly indicate that the strain represents a novel species, for which the name Kocuria himachalensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K07-05(T) (=MTCC 7020(T)=DSM 44905(T)=JCM 13326(T)).

Dietzia kunjamensis sp. nov., isolated from the Indian Himalayas.

A coral-red-pigmented actinobacterium, strain K30-10(T), was isolated from a soil sample from a cold desert of the Indian Himalayas. Chemical and phenotypic properties of strain K30-10(T) were consistent with its classification in the genus Dietzia. It showed 97.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Dietzia maris MTCC 7011(T); similarities to the type strains of three other species of the genus, Dietzia natronolimnaea, Dietzia psychralcaliphila and Dietzia cinnamea, were 94.4-96.0 %. The DNA-DNA relatedness between K30-10(T) and the closely related strain D. maris MTCC 7011(T) was 59.2 %. The DNA G+C content of strain K30-10(T) was 67.0 mol%. Based on physiological and biochemical tests and genotypic differences between strain K30-10(T) and its closest phylogenetic relatives, it is proposed that this strain represents a novel species, Dietzia kunjamensis sp. nov.; the type strain is K30-10(T) (=MTCC 7007(T)=DSM 44907(T)=JCM 13325(T)).

Goodfellowia gen. nov., a new genus of the Pseudonocardineae related to Actinoalloteichus, containing Goodfellowia coeruleoviolacea gen. nov., comb. nov.

During the course of a phylogenetic evaluation of Saccharothrix strains held in the ARS Culture Collection, it was discovered that Saccharothrix coeruleoviolacea NRRL B-24058(T) is unrelated to other species within this genus, and a polyphasic study was undertaken to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain NRRL B-24058(T) is observed to be phylogenetically separate from the genus Saccharothrix and is most closely related to the genus Actinoalloteichus. The strain exhibits chemotaxonomic properties that distinguish it from members of Actinoalloteichus, including a whole-cell sugar pattern consisting of galactose and ribose as diagnostic sugars, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine containing 2-OH fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol as the predominant polar lipids and MK-9(H(4)) and MK-10(H(4)) as the only menaquinones observed. Strain NRRL B-24058(T) is distinct from other taxa within the suborder Pseudonocardineae and a new genus to be named Goodfellowia gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of this new genus is Goodfellowia coeruleoviolacea gen. nov., comb. nov., and the type strain is NRRL B-24058(T) (=DSM 43935(T) = INA 3564(T) = JCM 9110(T) = NBRC 14988(T) = VKM Ac-1083(T)).

Occurrence and characterization of actinobacteria and thermoactinomycetes isolated from pulp and board samples containing recycled fibres.

The aim of this study was to characterize the actinobacterial population present in pulps and boards containing recycled fibres. A total of 107 isolates was identified on the basis of their pigmentation, morphological properties, fatty acid profiles and growth temperature. Of the wet pulp and water sample isolates (n=87), 74.7% belonged to the genus Streptomyces, 17.2% to Nocardiopsis and 8.0% to thermoactinomycetes, whereas all the board sample isolates (n=20) were thermoactinomycetes. The identification of 53 isolates was continued by molecular methods. Partial 16S rDNA sequencing and automated ribotyping divided the Streptomyces isolates (n=31) into 14 different taxa. The most common streptomycetes were the mesophilic S. albidoflavus and moderately thermophilic S. thermocarboxydus. The Nocardiopsis isolates (n=11) belonged to six different taxa, whereas the thermoactinomycetes were mainly members of the species Laceyella sacchari (formerly Thermoactinomyces sacchari). The results indicated the probable presence of one or more new species within each of these genera. Obviously, the drying stage used in the board making processes had eliminated all members of the species Streptomyces and Nocardiopsis present in the wet recycled fibre pulp samples. Only the thermotolerant endospores of L. sacchari were still present in the final products. The potential of automated ribotyping for identifying actinobacteria was indicated, as soon as comprehensive identification libraries became available.

Newly isolated Streptomyces spp. as enantioselective biocatalysts: hydrolysis of 1,2-O-isopropylidene glycerol racemic esters.

AIMS: To identify microbial strains with esterase activity able to enantioselectively hydrolyse esters of (R,S)-1,2-O-isopropylidene glycerol. METHODS AND RESULTS: The microbial hydrolysis of various racemic esters of 1,2-O-isopropylidene glycerol (IPG) was attempted by screening among Streptomyces spp. previously selected on the basis of their carboxylesterase activity. The best results were observed in the hydrolysis of butyrate ester and two strains appeared promising as they showed opposite enantioselectivity: Streptomyces sp. 90852 gave predominantly (S)-IPG, while strain 90930 mostly gave the R-alcohol. Streptomyces sp. 90930 was identified as Streptomyces violaceusniger, whereas Streptomyces sp. 90852 is a new species belonging to the Streptomyces violaceus taxon. The carboxylesterase belonging to strain 90852 gave a maximum value of enantiomeric ratio (E) of 14-16. This strain was lyophilized and used as dry mycelium for catalysing the synthesis of isopropylidene glycerol butyrate in heptane showing reaction rate and enantioselectivity (E = 6.6) lower than what observed for the hydrolysis. CONCLUSIONS: A new esterase with enantioselective activity towards (R,S)-IPG butyrate has been selected. The best enantioselectivity is similar or even better than the highest reported value in the literature with commercial enzymes. The enzyme is produced by a new species belonging to the S. violaceus taxon. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: New esterases from streptomycetes can be employed for the enantioselective hydrolysis of chiral esters derived from primary alcohols, not efficiently resolved with commercial enzymes.

Stackebrandtia nassauensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and emended description of the family Glycomycetaceae.

During the course of a 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogenetic evaluation of putative Glycomyces strains, it was noted that strain NRRL B-16338(T) is phylogenetically nearest to the genus Glycomyces but apparently is not a member of this or any of the other currently described actinomycete genera. The strain was subjected to a polyphasic study using standard methods for chemotaxonomic, morphological and physiological evaluation. The strain exhibited chemotaxonomic characteristics distinct from Glycomyces in spite of having 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 92% with the described species of this genus. The whole-cell sugar pattern of NRRL B-16338(T) consisted of ribose and inositol, with traces of arabinose and mannose. The phospholipids observed were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol and menaquinones consisting of MK-10(H(4)), MK-10(H(6)), MK-11(H(4)) and MK-11(H(6)). A significant quantity (14.5%) of 17:0 anteiso 2-hydroxy fatty acid was observed in the fatty acid profile of this strain. These characteristics clearly differentiate NRRL B-16338(T) from members of the genus Glycomyces and it is proposed that the strain represents a new genus within the family Glycomycetaceae to be called Stackebrandtia gen. nov. The description of this family is emended to permit its inclusion. It is proposed that the type species of the genus should be named Stackebrandtia nassauensis. The type strain LLR-40K-21(T) (=NRRL B-16338(T)=DSM 44728(T)) was isolated from a soil sample from Nassau, Bahamas.

Mycobacterium fluoranthenivorans sp. nov., a fluoranthene and aflatoxin B1 degrading bacterium from contaminated soil of a former coal gas plant.

Mycobacterium strain FA4T was isolated with fluoranthene as the single carbon source from soil of a former coal gas plant, polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The physiological properties, fatty acid pattern, and the 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence indicated membership to the genus Mycobacterium, but were different from all type strains of Mycobacterium species. Based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses strain FA4T could be assigned to the Mycobacterium neoaurum taxon showing 98% sequence similarity to M. diernhoferi as its closest neighbour. The occurrence of epoxymycolate in the cell wall differentiates FA4 from all members of this taxon which synthesize wax-ester mycolates in addition to alpha-mycolates. Strain FA4T is able to degrade aflatoxin B1. This biological attribute might be useful in biological detoxification processes of foods and feeds. From the investigated characteristics it is concluded that strain FA4T represents a new species, for which we propose the name Mycobacterium fluoranthenivorans sp. nov. The type strain of Mycobacterium fluoranthenivorans is FA4T (DSM 44556T = CIP 108203T).

Lipoprotein processing is required for virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Lipoproteins are a subgroup of secreted bacterial proteins characterized by a lipidated N-terminus, processing of which is mediated by the consecutive activity of prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt) and lipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA). The study of LspA function has been limited mainly to non-pathogenic microorganisms. To study a potential role for LspA in the pathogenesis of bacterial infections, we have disrupted lspA by allelic replacement in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, one of the world's most devastating pathogens. Despite the presence of an impermeable lipid outer layer, it was found that LspA was dispensable for growth under in vitro culture conditions. In contrast, the mutant was markedly attenuated in virulence models of tuberculosis. Our findings establish lipoprotein metabolism as a major virulence determinant of tuberculosis and define a role for lipoprotein processing in bacterial pathogenesis. In addition, these results hint at a promising new target for therapeutic intervention, as a highly specific inhibitor of bacterial lipoprotein signal peptidases is available.

Corynebacterium glaucum sp. nov.

A bacterial strain, strain IMMIB R-5091(T), isolated from a cosmetic dye was characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Chemotaxonomic investigations revealed the presence of cell-wall chemotype IV and short-chain mycolic acids consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the isolate constitutes a distinct subline within the genus Corynebacterium, displaying > 2.6% sequence divergence from established species. The isolate could be distinguished from other members of the genus Corynebacterium by biochemical tests. Based on both phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that strain IMMIB R-5091(T) (= DSM 44530T = NRRL B-24142(T)) be classified as the type strain of a novel species, Corynebacterium glaucum sp. nov.