Paracoccus benzoatiresistens sp. nov., a benzoate resistance and selenite reduction bacterium isolated from wetland.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, pale orange, rod-shaped strain EF6T, was isolated from a natural wetland reserve in Hebei province, China. The strain grew at 25-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5-9 (optimum, pH 7), and in the presence of 1.0-4.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain EF6T belongs to the genus Paracoccus, and the closest members were Paracoccus shandongensis wg2T with 98.1% similarity, Paracoccus fontiphilus MVW-1 T (97.9%), Paracoccus everestensis S8-55 T (97.7%), Paracoccus subflavus GY0581T (97.6%), Paracoccus sediminis CMB17T (97.3%), Paracoccus caeni MJ17T (97.0%), and Paracoccus angustae E6T (97.0%). The genome size of strain EF6T was 4.88 Mb, and the DNA G + C content was 65.3%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, and average amino acid identity values between strain EF6T and the reference strains were all below the threshold limit for species delineation (< 32.8%, < 88.0%, and < 86.7%, respectively). The major fatty acids (≥ 5.0%) were summed feature 8 (86.3%, C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c) and C18:1 (5.0%) and the only isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids, five unidentified phospholipids, and an unidentified aminolipid. Strain EF6T displays notable resistance to benzoate and selenite, with higher tolerance levels (25 g/L for benzoate and 150 mM for selenite) compared to the closely related species. Genomic analysis identified six benzoate resistance genes (acdA, pcaF, fadA, pcaC, purB, and catA) and twenty selenite resistance and reduction-related genes (iscR, ssuB, ssuD, selA, selD and so on). Additionally, EF6T possesses unique genes (catA, ssuB, and ssuC) absent in the closely related species for benzoate and selenite resistance. Its robust resistance to benzoate and selenite, coupled with its genomic makeup, make EF6T a promising candidate for the remediation of both organic and inorganic pollutants. It is worth noting that the specific resistance phenotypes described above were not reported in other novel species in Paracoccus. Based on the results of biochemical, physiological, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic analyses, combined with comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and the whole genome sequence, strain EF6T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus within the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Paracoccus benzoatiresistens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EF6T (= GDMCC 1.3400 T = JCM 35642 T = MCCC 1K08702T).

Paracoccus onubensis sp. nov., a novel alphaproteobacterium isolated from the wall of a show cave.

A novel facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming alphaproteobacterium, strain 1011MAR3C25T, was isolated from a white biofilm colonizing the walls of the Andalusian show cave Gruta de las Maravillas (Huelva, Spain). Strain 1011MAR3C25T grew at 8-42 °C (optimum, 20-30 °C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 5.0-6.0) and in the presence of 0-12 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3-5 %). Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive. The strain grew heterotrophically with various carbon sources and chemoautotrophically with thiosulfate under aerobic conditions. Results of phylogenetic analysis showed that strain 1011MAR3C25T was related to Paracoccus saliphilus DSM 18447T and Paracoccus alkanivorans LMG 30882T (97.90 % and 97.32 % 16S rRNA sequence identity values, respectively). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10 and the predominant fatty acid was C18 : 1 ω7c. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The DNA G+C content was 60.3 mol%. Based on a polyphasic taxonomic study it is proposed that strain 1011MAR3C25T (=CECT 9092T=LMG 29414T) represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus onubensis sp. nov. is proposed.

Paracoccus binzhouensis sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge.

A gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped strain, designated wg1T, was isolated from activated sludge obtained from wastewater treatment plant in Binzhou (Shandong province, PR China). Growth of strain wg1T occurred at 25-45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum growth at pH 8.0) and at a salinity range of 0-4% (optimum, 1%). The chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genomic traits were investigated. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain wg1T belonged to the genus Paracoccus. The species with highest similarity to strain wg1T was Paracoccus communis VKM B-2787T (98.27%), followed by Paracoccus kondratievae VKM B-2222T (98.25%). The isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. Major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8, C16:0 and C18:0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), aminoglycolipid (AGL), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), aminolipid (AL), one unidentified lipid (L) and one unidentified phospholipid (PL). The genome size was 4,834,448 bp with a G+C content of 67.67 mol%. The prediction result of secondary metabolites based on genome has shown that the strain wg1T contained 12 clusters, and the gene involved in primary metabolism showed differences in the comparison between wg1T and reference strains. The dDDH values of strain wg1T with P. communis VKM B-2787T, P. kondratievae VKM B-2222T and P. denitrificans DSM 413T were 45.30, 30.60 and 39.50%, respectively. Based on its physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low ANI and dDDH results, strain wg1T is considered to represent a novel species for which the name Paracoccus binzhouensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is wg1T (= KCTC 72861T = CCTCC AB 2019400T).

Paracoccus xiamenensis sp. nov., isolated from seawater on the Xiamen.

Strain 12-3T was isolated from seawater of the Guanyinshan Coast, Xiamen, Fujian Province, PR China. The bacterium was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, oxidase-positive and catalase-negative. Growth of strain 12-3T occurred at 10-37 °C (optimum, 20-30 °C), at pH 5.0-11.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and at a salinity range of 0-10 % (optimum, 3-5 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain 12-3T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had the highest sequence similarity to Paracoccus lutimaris HDM-25T (97.4 %), followed by Paracoccus isoporae SW-3T (96.9 %), Paracoccus caeni MJ17T (96.9 %), Paracoccus pacificus F14T (96.8 %) and other species in the genus Paracoccus (95.3-96.5 %). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values between strain 12-3T and P. lutimaris HDM-25T were 76.1 and 17.0 %, respectively. ANI and DDH values between strain 12-3T and P. isoporae SW-3T were 78.9 and 18.2 %, respectively. The principal fatty acid of strain 12-3T was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω6c/ω7c) and C18 : 0. The respiratory quinone of strain 12-3T was Q10. The polar lipids included phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA was 63.9 mol%. The combination of the results of the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, and its low ANI and DDH values indicate that strain 12-3T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus xiamenensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 12-3T (=MCCC 1A16381T=KCTC 72687T).

A statistical approach for enhanced production of ß-galactosidase from Paracoccus sp. and synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides.

A new ß-galactosidase-producing bacterium KGP, isolated from the Bay of Bengal, was identified as Paracoccus marcusii through morphology, biochemistry and 16S rRNA sequencing. This study is the first report on the production of ß-galactosidase from P. marcusii. The medium components for the high yield of ß-galactosidase were optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). A set of 17 experiments consisting of three independent variables, viz. yeast extract, galactose and MgSO4, was employed. A second-order polynomial equation was used for the analysis of the response, and the optimum ß-galactosidase yield was achieved using 12.5 g/L yeast extract, 12.5 g/L galactose and 12.5 mmol/L MgSO4. The predicted quadratic model was inferred to be significant from the F-value, P value and the lack of fit value. Optimisation of the media components resulted in a ninefold increase (560 Miller units) in ß-galactosidase production. Furthermore, the hydrolysis and transgalactosylation efficiency of the crude ß-galactosidase was assessed and the results showed that the lactose was successfully hydrolysed and transgalactosylated at an optimum temperature of 40 °C and 50 °C, respectively. Considering the overall yield and productivity, P. marcusii can be considered a candidate for the industrial production of ß-galactosidase. This study provides an essential basis for the future production and use of the alkali-tolerant ß-galactosidase from P. marcusii KGP.

Paracoccus bengalensis is a later heterotypic synonym of Paracoccus versutu.

The present study aimed to examine the taxonomic relationship between two species, Paracoccus bengalensis Ghosh et al. 2006 and Paracoccus versutus (Harrison 1983) Katayama et al. 1996. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that P. bengalensis JJJT was highly similar (99.9 %) to P. versutus A2T. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains formed a tight cluster within the genus Paracoccus. Whole genomic comparison between the two strains showed a digital DNA-DNA hybridization estimate of 82. 0 % and an average nucleotide identity value of 98.2 %, clearly indicating that the two strains were members of the same species. Moreover, the type strains of both species shared similar physiological and biochemical properties and fatty acids profiles. Based on genotypic and phenotypic evidence, we conclude that Paracoccus bengalensis Ghosh et al. 2006 is a later heterotypic synonym of Paracoccus versutus (Harrison 1983) Katayama et al. 1996 according to the priority of publication and validation of the name.

Paracoccus alkanivorans sp. nov., isolated from a deep well with oil reservoir water.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and ovoid bacterial strain, designated 4-2T, was isolated from oil-contaminated water which was collected from Xinjiang Province, north-west PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 4-2T belonged to the genus Paracoccus. The species with highest similarity to strain 4-2T was Paracoccus saliphilus YIM 90738T (97.83 %), followed by 'Paracoccus siganidrum' M26 (97.83 %) and Paracoccus endophyticus SYSUP0003T (97.25 %). The average nucleotide identity values between 4-2T and three type strains were 84.69, 77.88 and 74.07 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 4-2T was 61.4 mol%. Chemotaxonomical characteristic results showed that the respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c or C18 : 1 ω6c) and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, unidentified phospholipids, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The predominant polyamines were putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic inferences, strain 4-2T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus alkanivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 4-2T (=CGMCC 1.13669T=LMG 30882T).

Paracoccus aurantiacus sp. nov., isolated from shallow-sea hydrothermal systems off Kueishantao Island.

An orange-pigmented, short-rod-shaped, aerobic and non-motile bacterial strain, designated TK008T, was isolated from the shallow-sea hydrothermal systems off Kueishantao Island in Taiwan, China, and it was studied by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain TK008T exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.1 % to Paracoccus pacificus F14T. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TK008T was a member of the genus Paracoccus. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain TK008T and two closely related species (Paracoccus zhejiangensis and Paracoccus tegillarcae) were 20.6 and 20.9 %. The average nucleotide identity values of strain TK008T compared with P. zhejiangensis and P. tegillarcae were 75.2 and 74.6 % respectively. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The predominant fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified lipids and an unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain TK008T from genomic sequence data was 62.54 mol%. On the basis of polyphasic analysis, strain TK008T represents a novel species, for which the name Paracoccus aurantiacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TK008T (=CGMCC 1.13898T=JCM 33630T).

Paracoccus aeridis sp. nov., an indole-producing bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of an orchid, Aerides maculosa.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, coccoid-shaped, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-denitrifying, neutrophilic bacterium designated as strain JC501T was isolated from an epiphytic rhizosphere of an orchid, Aerides maculosa, growing in the Western Ghats of India. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain JC501T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had the highest levels of sequence identity with Paracoccus marinus KKL-A5T (98.9 %), Paracoccus contaminans WPAn02T (97.3 %) and other members of the genus Paracoccus (<97.3 %). Strain JC501T produced indole-3 acetic acid and other indole derivatives from tryptophan. The dominant respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acid was C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c, with significant quantities of C18 : 1ω9c, C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipids of strain JC501T comprised phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, two unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified lipids and four unidentified phospholipids. The genome of strain JC501T was 3.3 Mbp with G+C content of 69.4 mol%. For the resolution of the phylogenetic congruence of the novel strain, the phylogeny was also reconstructed with the sequences of eight housekeeping genes. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, low (<85.9 %) average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (<29.8 %), chemotaxonomic analysis and physiological properties, strain JC501T could not be classified into any of the recognized species of the genus Paracoccus. Strain JC501T represents a novel species, for which the name Paracoccus aeridis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC501T (=LMG 30532T=NBRC 113644T).

Paracoccus liaowanqingii sp. nov., isolated from Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii).

Two strains, designated 2251T and 3058, that were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, coccoid or short rod-shaped bacilli, have recently been isolated from Tibetan antelopes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results of phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains 2251T and 3058 represent a new species within the genus Paracoccus and are most similar to 'Paracoccus gahaiensis' CUG00006T (98.9 and 99.3 %), Paracoccus nototheniae I-41R45T (98.3 and 98.7 %) and Paracoccus hibiscisoli THG-T2.31T (97.6 and 97.8 %). Results of genomic sequence-based phylogenomic analysis agreed with those from 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Optimal growth was achieved at pH 7.0-7.5 and 28 °C with marine medium. Cells contained C18 : 1 ω7c as the major cellular fatty acid and ubiquinone-10 as the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, glycolipid and an unidentified lipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan amino acids were meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid, alanine and glutamic acid; the major cell-wall sugar was galactose. The G+C content of strain 2251T was 66.5 mol%. Both strains (2251T and 3058) had DNA-DNA relatedness values less than 50 % with all available genomes of the genus Paracoccus in the ncbi database. Differential genotypic inferences, together with phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, demonstrated that strains 2251T and 3058 should be classified as a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus liaowanqingii sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is 2251T (=CGMCC 1.16490T=DSM 106269T).

Paracoccus luteus sp. nov., isolated from the intestine of grass carp.

A novel Gram-negative bacterium, designated CFH 10530T, was isolated from the intestine of grass carp. The sample was collected from the aquaculture training base at the College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, PR China. Cells of strain CFH 10530T were coccoid, ovoid or short-rod-shaped, aerobic, non-spore-forming and non-motile. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that strain CFH 10530T was closely related to Paracoccus endophyticus SYSUP0003T (97.7 % sequence similarity), Paracoccus halophilus HN-182T (96.5 %) and Paracoccus panacisoli DCY94T (96.1 %). The strain grew optimally at 25-28 °C, at pH 7.0 and with 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were positive for catalase and oxidase, nitrate was reduced and H2S was not produced. The isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. Major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8, C18 : 0 and C18 : 03-OH. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified aminolipid and five unidentified polar lipids. The genome size was 3 331 229 bp with a G+C content of 69.6 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between CFH 10530T and the other species of the genus Paracoccus were found to be below the recommended levels for species delineation (ANIm <85, ANIb <80 and dDDH <24 %). Based on its physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low ANI and dDDH results, strain CFH 10530T is considered to represent a novel species for which the name Paracoccus luteus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is CFH 10530T (=KCTC 62919T=CGMCC 1.16597T).

Polyphasic taxonomic analysis of Paracoccus ravus sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from marine sediment.

Polyphasic taxonomic analysis was performed on a novel marine bacterium, designated as strain YJ057T, isolated from marine sediment collected in the Republic of Korea. The strain was Gram-negative, beige-colored, facultatively anaerobic, coccoid or ovoid-shaped and nonmotile. Preliminary 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that this novel marine isolate belongs to the family Rhodobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria, and has the greatest (96.2%) sequence similarity to Paracoccus aestuariivivens GHD-30T. Major (>10%) fatty acids of strain YJ057T were C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c, G+C content in the genomic DNA of the strain was 63.6 mol% and the sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. It had phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and some unidentified components (three aminolipids, a glycolipid, a phospholipid and two lipids). As per the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of phenotypic and genotypic traits, the strain is considered a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, and the name Paracoccus ravus sp. nov. is proposed.

Paracoccus yeei: a Rare Opportunistic Bacterium in a Patient with Parotid Cyst.

BACKGROUND: Parotid cyst is a common problem in patients treated by surgeons. However, Paracoccus yeei was isolated from an aerobic blood culture in a patient with parotid cyst as an unusual etiologic opportunistic agent. METHODS: Since old biochemical identification kits are not able to identify this species, MALDI-TOF MS correctly was recommended to identify this isolate. Its identity was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: The aligned sequences (16S rRNA gene) were used for a phylogenetic analysis (phylogenetic tree), which was produced using the BLAST pair-wise alignments. The sequence analysis determined that the best matches were with Paracoccus yeei. CONCLUSIONS: Paracoccus yeei has been reported as a rare opportunistic human pathogen, we should actively com-municate to the clinic to improve the real positive rate.

Paracoccus nototheniae sp. nov., isolated from a black rock cod fish (Notothenia coriiceps) from the Chilean Antarctic.

An orange-pigmented, oxidase-positive bacterial strain (I-41R45T), isolated from the kidney of a black rock cod fish sampled in the Chilean Antarctic was studied in a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Cells of the isolate were coccoid and stained Gram-negative. A comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain I-41R45T with sequences of type strains of most closely related Paracoccus species showed highest sequence similarities to Paracoccus hibiscisoli (98.4 %), Paracoccus marcusii (98.3 %), Paracoccus haeundaensis and Paracoccus carotinifaciens (both 98.2 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other Paracoccus species were below 97 %. The draft genome of strain I-41R45T had a size of 4.59 Mb with a DNA G+C content of 65.26 mol% and included the prediction and annotation of 4426 coding genes, 1973 protein-coding genes and 46 tRNAs. The fatty acid profile of strain I-41R45T consisted mainly of the major fatty acids C18 : 1 ω7c/ω9t/ω12t and C18:0, typical of the genus Paracoccus. DNA-DNA hybridizations between I-41R45T and type strains of P. hibiscisoli, P. marcusiiand P. haeundaensis resulted in similarity values of 45 % (reciprocal 26 %), 66 % (reciprocal 61 %), and 29 % (reciprocal 36 %), respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization results, together with the differentiating biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties, showed that strain I-41R45T represents a novel Paracoccus species, for which the name Paracoccus nototheniae sp. nov. (type strain I-41R45T=CCM 8875T=CIP 111632T), is proposed.

Paracoccus tegillarcae sp. nov., isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of a blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa).

A novel bacterial isolate, designated as strain BM15T, was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of a blood cockle, Tegillarca granosa, which was collected from the foreshore of Beolgyo-eup, Republic of Korea. Strain BM15T was Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic and short-rod-shaped. Optimum growth of the isolate occurred at 20 °C, in the presence of 4 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain BM15T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had more than 97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to 'Paracoccus zhejiangensis' J6 (97.40 % similarity) and Paracoccus lutimaris HDM-25T (97.04 %). The polar lipid profile of strain BM15T comprised phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major cellular fatty acid (>20 %) was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The complete genome sequence of strain BM15T comprised 3,759,866 bp with 62.2 mol% G+C content. The results of the phylogenetic, phenotypic and genotypic analyses indicated that strain BM15T represents a novel species in the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus tegillarcae is proposed. The type strain is BM15T (=KCTC 72032T=JCM 33289T).

Diversity of Methylotrophy Pathways in the Genus Paracoccus (Alphaproteobacteria).

Paracoccus denitrificans Pd 1222 is a model methylotrophic bacterium. Its methylotrophy is based on autotrophic growth (enabled by the Calvin cycle) supported by energy from the oxidation of methanol or methylamine. The growing availability of genome sequence data has made it possible to investigate methylotrophy in other Paracoccus species. The examination of a large number of Paracoccus spp. genomes reveals great variability in C1 metabolism, which have been shaped by different evolutionary mechanisms. Surprisingly, the methylotrophy schemes of many Paracoccus strains appear to have quite different genetic and biochemical bases. Besides the expected 'autotrophic methylotrophs', many strains of this genus possess another C1 assimilatory pathway, the serine cycle, which seems to have at least three independent origins. Analysis of the co-occurrence of different methylotrophic pathways indicates, on the one hand, evolutionary linkage between the Calvin cycle and the serine cycle, and, on the other hand, that genes encoding some C1 substrate-oxidizing enzymes occur more frequently in association with one or the other. This suggests that some genetic module combinations form more harmonious enzymatic sets, which act with greater efficiency in the methylotrophic process and thus undergo positive selection.

Paracoccus jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from Korean salted and fermented shrimp.

A Gram-stain-negative and facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated as strain CBA4604T, was isolated from a traditional Korean salted and fermented shrimp food (saeu-jeot). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBA4604T formed a clearly distinct phyletic lineage from closely related species within the genus Paracoccus. Strain CBA4604T was the most closely related to P. koreensis Ch05T (97.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and other type strains (≤ 97.0%). The genome comprised a chromosome and two plasmids of 3,299,166 bp with 66.5% G+C content. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain CBA4604T and P. koreensis Ch05T, P. alcaliphilus DSM 8512T, and P. stylophorae KTW-16T were 30.5%, 22.9%, and 16.7%, respectively. Cells of the strain were short rod-shaped and oxidase- and catalase-positive. The growth of strain CBA-4604T was observed at 10-40°C (optimum, 37°C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and in the presence of 0-8.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2.0%). Strain CBA4604T contained ubiquinone 10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c) and C18:0 as the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Based on its phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features, we concluded that strain CBA-4604T represents a novel species in the genus Paracoccus and we propose the name Paracoccus jeotgali sp. nov. The type strain is CBA4604T (= KACC 19579T = JCM 32510T).

Paracoccus haematequi sp. nov., isolated from horse blood.

Two slightly orange-pigmented, oxidase-positive bacterial strains (M1-83T and M2-116), isolated from horse blood collected during slaughter in Giessen, Germany, were studied in a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of the isolates were coccoid and stained Gram-negative. The two strains shared identical 16S rRNA gene sequences but their genomic fingerprint patterns differed, indicating the genetic distinctiveness of the two strains. A comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain M1-83T with sequences of the type strains of the most closely related Paracoccus species showed highest sequence similarities to Paracoccus acridae (98.2 %) and Paracoccus aerius (98.1 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other Paracoccus species were below 97.6 %. The fatty acid profile of the two strains consisted mainly of the major fatty acids C18 : 1 ω7c and C18:0, which is typical for the genus Paracoccus. The polyamine patterns of strain M1-83T contained major amounts of putrescine and spermidine. The major quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipid profile was characterized by the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified glycolipid. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between M1-83T and the type strains of P. acridae and P. aerius resulted in similarity values of 17 % (reciprocal, 60 %) and 23 % (reciprocal 30 %), respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization results together with the differentiating biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties showed that strain M1-83T represents a novel Paracoccusspecies, for which the name Paracoccus haematequi sp. nov. (type strain M1-83T=LMG 30633T=CIP 111624T=CCM 8857T), is proposed.

Paracoccus subflavus sp. nov., isolated from Pacific Ocean sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, short rod-shaped, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, aerobic bacterium, designated GY0581T, was isolated from marine sediment sampled from the Western Pacific Ocean. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain GY0581T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had the highest levels of sequence similarity to Paracoccus sediminis JCM 18467T (98.2 %). Levels of similarity between strain GY0581T and other Paracoccus species were lower than 97.0 %. The average nucleotide identity and the DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain GY0581T and P. sediminis JCM 18467T were 83.9 and 27 %, respectively, which are below the respective thresholds for species differentiation. The major cellular fatty acid was C18 : 1ω7c (79.5 %). The only isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, three unidentified phospholipids, three unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain GY0581T was 65.6 mol%. On the basis of polyphasic characterization, it is concluded that strain GY0581T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus subflavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GY0581T (=KCTC 42710T=MCCC 1A10575T).

Isolation and characterization of a lindane degrading bacteria Paracoccus sp. NITDBR1 and evaluation of its plant growth promoting traits.

Lindane contamination in different environmental compartments is still posing a serious threat to our environment and effective measures need to be taken for the detoxification of lindane. Soil bacteria isolated from agricultural fields are known to possess certain plant growth promoting traits like the production of phytohormones, production of ammonia, nitrogen fixation and solubilization of phosphorus, etc. In the present study, an indigenous bacterial strain Paracoccus sp. NITDBR1 have been isolated from an agricultural field in Manipur, India which could grow on 100 mg L-1 lindane as the sole source of carbon and could degrade up to 90% of lindane in mineral salt media under liquid culture conditions in 8 days. The strain NITDBR1 was able to form biofilm in lindane media and the addition of substrate like glucose and sucrose enhanced the biofilm formation by 1.3 and 1.17-fold respectively in 3 days. The strain NITDBR1 could produce glycolipid and glycoprotein based biosurfactants. It was also found to possess plant growth promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and indole-3-acetic acid production to assist crop production. The phytotoxicity studies carried out on mustard seeds revealed that the degradation products formed after treatment with NITDBR1 could lower the toxicity of lindane for root elongation by 1.3-fold. Therefore, strain NITDBR1 could be useful for the bioremediation of soil contaminated with lindane with lesser damage to the environment, biofilm forming ability may help the bacteria survive under stressed environmental conditions, and biosurfactant production will help in increasing the bioavailability of contaminants. The plant growth promoting traits can be beneficial for agriculture. With such soil friendly activities coupled with pesticide degradation, this strain can be used for environmental as well as agricultural applications.