Identification of Acetobacter strains isolated from Indonesian sources,and proposals of Acetobacter syzygii sp. nov., Acetobacter cibinongensis sp. nov., and Acetobacter orientalis sp. nov

Forty-six strains of acetic acid bacteria newly isolated from flowers, fruits, and fermented foods collected in Indonesia were taxonomically studied. They were Gram-negative rods, produced acetic acid from ethanol, oxidized acetate and lactate to CO(2) and H(2)O, and had Q-9 as the major ubiquinone system. On the basis of DNA-DNA similarity, all strains studied, including type strains and reference strains of the genus Acetobacter, were separated into eleven groups (Groups I to XI). Of the 46 isolates, two isolates were included in Group II and identified as Acetobacter pasteurianus, five in Group IV as A. orleanensis, 16 in Group V as A. lovaniensis, five in Group VII as A. indonesiensis, and three in Group VIII as A. tropicalis. The remaining 15 isolates constituted three new groups based on DNA-DNA similarity; four isolates were included in Group IX, two in Group X, and nine in Group XI. No isolates were identified as A. aceti (Group I), A. peroxydans (Group III), and A. estunensis (Group VI). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences of representative strains of the Groups indicated belonging to the strains of the genus Acetobacter. On the basis of DNA base composition, DNA-DNA similarity, and 16S rDNA sequences, three new species of the genus Acetobacter are proposed: Acetobacter syzygii sp. nov. for Group IX, Acetobacter cibinongensis sp. nov. for Group X, and Acetobacter orientalis sp. nov. for Group XI. The distribution of Acetobacter strains in Indonesia is discussed in light of isolation sources.     

The phylogenetic relationship among Ectothiorhodospiraceae: a reevaluation of their taxonomy on the basis of 16S rDNA analyses

Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene were determined from all type strains of the recognized Ectothiorhodospira species and from a number of additional strains. For the first time, these data resolve the phylogenetic relationships of the Ectothiorhodospiraceae in detail, confirm the established species, and improve the classification of strains of uncertain affiliation. Two major groups that are recognized as separate genera were clearly established. The extremely halophilic species were removed from the genus Ectothiorhodospira and reassigned to the new genus Halorhodospira gen. nov., to recognize that the most halophilic eubacteria are species of this genus. These species are Halorhodospira halophila comb. nov., Halorhodospira halochloris comb. nov., and Halorhodospira abdelmalekii comb. nov. Among the slightly halophilic Ectothiorhodospira species, the classification of strains belonging to Ectothiorhodospira mobilis and Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii was improved. Several strains that were tentatively identified as Ectothiorhodospira mobilis form a separate cluster on the basis of their 16S rDNA sequences and are recognized as two new species: Ectothiorhodospira haloalkaliphila sp. nov., which includes the most alkaliphilic strains originating from strongly alkaline soda lakes, and Ectothiorhodospira marina, describing isolates from the marine environment. Received: 12 October 1995 / Accepted: 1 December 1995     

Genotypic diversity of Acidovorax strains isolated from activated sludge and description of Acidovorax defluvii sp. nov.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization of activated sludge samples from a municipal wastewater treatment plant using oligonucleotide probes specific for Acidovorax demonstrated that these bacteria are highly abundant in this environment. For the targeted cultivation of representatives belonging to this genus, isolates grown on agar plates after serial dilution were screened by whole-cell hybridization with specific probes. The obtained strains clustered in two phylogenetic groups as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. The isolates of one cluster were phylogenetically and genotypically closely related to A. delafieldii. In contrast, the strains of the other cluster were genotypically and phenotypically distinct from the hitherto known Acidovorax species. Therefore, a new species, Acidovorax defluvii sp. nov., was proposed for these strains. The main characteristics of the newly defined species are as follows: Gram-negative, motile or non-motile rods with rounded ends, often with large polyhydroxybutyrate granules. In broth cultures flocs are formed. Test for cytochrome oxidase is positive with all strains. The majority of strains is catalase positive and reduces nitrate. All strains are metabolically inactive against most carbohydrates and organic acids. Fatty acid patterns are typical for the genus Acidovorax. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of DNAs varies between 62 and 64 mol%. The type strain of A. defluvii is BSB411T (DSM 12644). A new 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe reacting by in situ hybridization with all known Acidovorax species, including A. defluvii sp. nov., was designed.     

Dasania marina gen. nov., sp. nov., of the order Pseudomonadales, isolated from Arctic marine sediment

An obligately aerobic bacterium, strain KOPRI 20902T, was isolated from a marine sediment in Ny-Arlesund, Spitsbergen Islands, Norway. Cells were irregular rods and motile with polar monotrichous flagellum. The optimum growth temperature was 17-22 degrees . Cells grew best in pH 7.0-10.0 and 3-4% sea salts (corresponding to 2.3-3.1% NaCl). The novel strain required Ca2+ or Mg2+ in addition to NaCl for growth. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that the Arctic isolate is distantly related with established species (<92.4% sequence similarity) and formed a monophyletic group with Cellvibrio, which formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage in the order Pseudomonadales. Predominant cellular fatty acids [C16:1 omega7c/15:0 iso 2OH (45.3%), C16:0 (18.4%), ECL 11.799 (11.2%), C10:0 3OH (10.4%)]; DNA G+C content (37.0 mol%); nitrate reduction to nitrogen; absence of aesculin hydrolysis, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and esterase; no assimilation of arabinose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, and trehalose differentiated the strain from the genus Cellvibrio. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, Dasania marina gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed in the order Pseudomonadales. Strain KOPRI 20902T (=KCTC 12566T=JCM 13441T) is the type strain of Dasania marina.     

Oleomonas sagaranensis gen. nov., sp. nov., represents a novel genus in the alpha-Proteobacteria

A Gram-negative bacterium was previously isolated from an oil field in Shizuoka, Japan, and designated strain HD-1. Here we have performed detailed characterization of the strain, and have found that it represents a novel genus. The 16S rRNA sequence of strain HD-1 displayed highest similarity to various uncultured species (86.7-99.7%), along with 86.2-88.2% similarity to sequences from Azospirillum, Methylobacterium, Rhizobium, and Hyphomicrobium, all members of the alpha-Proteobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HD-1 represented a deep-branched lineage among the alpha-Proteobacteria. DNA-DNA hybridization analysis with Azospirillum lipoferum and Hyphomicrobium vulgare revealed low levels of similarity among the strains. We further examined the biochemical properties of the strain under aerobic conditions. Among carbon sources, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, and n-tetradecanol were the most preferred, while acetate, propionate, and pyruvate also supported high levels of growth. The strain could also grow on aromatic compounds such as toluene, benzene and phenol, and aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-octane and n-tetradecane. In contrast, glycerol and various sugars, including glucose, fructose, maltose, and lactose, failed to support growth of HD-1. Under an anaerobic gas phase with butanol as the carbon source, little increase in cell weight was observed with the addition of several possible electron acceptors. As strain HD-1 represents a novel genus in the alpha-Proteobacteria, we designated the strain as Oleomonas sagaranensis gen. nov., sp. nov., strain HD-1.     

Sporobolomyces diospyroris sp. nov., Sporobolomyces lophatheri sp. nov. and Sporobolomyces pyrrosiae sp. nov., three new species of ballistoconidium-forming yeasts in the Agaricostilbum lineage isolated from plants in Taiwan

Three strains of xylose-lacking and ubiquinone-10-having ballistoconidium-forming yeasts isolated from plant leaves collected in Taiwan were found to represent respective new species. In phylogenetic trees constructed based on the nucleotide sequences of 18S rDNA and D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA, they were located in the Agaricostilbum lineage (Agaricostilbum/Bensingtonia cluster). Since the taxonomic properties of these species coincide with those of the genus Sporobolomyces, they are described as Sporobolomyces diospyroris sp. nov., Sporobolomyces lophatheri sp. nov. and Sporobolomyces pyrrosiae sp. nov., respectively.     

HETEROGENEITY OF THE CYANOBACTERIAL GENUS SYNECHOCYSTIS AND DESCRIPTION OF A NEW GENUS,GEMINOCYSTIS1

The study and revision of the unicellular cyanobacterial genus Synechocystis was based on the type species S. aquatilis Sauv. and strain PCC 6803, a reference strain for this species. Uniformity in rRNA gene sequence, morphology, and ultrastructure was observed in all available Synechocystis strains, with the exception of the strain PCC 6308, which has been considered by some to be a model strain for Synechocystis. This strain differs substantially from the typical Synechocystis cluster according to both molecular (<90% of similarity, differences in 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer [ITS] secondary structure) and phenotypic criteria (different ultrastructure of cells). This strain is herein classified into the new genus Geminocystis gen. nov., as a sister taxon to the genus Cyanobacterium. Geminocystis differs from Cyanobacterium by genetic position (<94.4% of similarity) and more importantly by its different type of cell division. Because strain PCC 6308 was designated as a reference strain of the Synechocystis cluster 1 in Bergey’s Manual, the members of this genetic cluster have to be revised and reclassified into Geminocystis gen. nov. Only the members of the Synechocystis cluster 2 allied with PCC 6803 correspond both genetically and phenotypically to the type species of the genus Synechocystis (S. aquatilis).     

Lactobacillus oligofermentans sp. nov., associated with spoilage of modified-atmosphere-packaged poultry products

Unidentified lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolates which had mainly been detected in spoiled, marinated, modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) broiler meat products during two previous studies, were identified and analyzed for their phenotypic properties and the capability to produce biogenic amines. To establish the taxonomic position of these isolates, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, numerical analysis of ribopatterns, and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments were done. Unexpectedly for a meat-spoilage-associated LAB, the strains utilized glucose very weakly. According to the API 50 CHL test, arabinose and xylose were the only carbohydrates strongly fermented. None of the six strains tested for production of histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, putrescine, and cadaverine were able to produce these main meat-associated biogenic amines in vitro. The polyphasic taxonomy approach showed that these strains represent a new Lactobacillus species. The six isolates sequenced for the 16S rRNA encoding genes shared the highest similarity (95.0 to 96.3%) with the sequence of the Lactobacillus durianis type strain. In the phylogenetic tree, these isolates formed a distinct cluster within the Lactobacillus reuteri group, which also includes L. durianis. Numerical analyses of HindIII-EcoRI ribotypes placed all isolates together in a cluster with seven subclusters well separated from the L. reuteri group reference strains. The DNA-DNA hybridization levels between Lactobacillus sp. nov. isolates varied from 67 to 96%, and low hybridization levels (3 to 15%) were obtained with the L. durianis type strain confirming that these isolates belong to the same species different from L. durianis. The name Lactobacillus oligofermentans sp. nov. is proposed, with strain LMG 22743T (also known as DSM 15707T or AMKR18T) as the type strain.     

Isolation and characterization of a unicellular manganese-oxidizing bacterium from a freshwater lake in northwestern Russia

A unicellular manganese-oxidizing bacterium (strain L7), isolated from Lake Ladoga, is identified as "Siderocapsa" sp. according to its morphology. However, this bacterium belongs to the phylogenetic cluster of Pseudomonas putida. The physiological characteristics (utilization of sugars, polyatomic alcohols, organic acids, and phenolic substrates as carbon and energy sources) also indicate the similarity of strain L7 to representatives of the genus Pseudomonas. The growing culture oxidizes Mn(II); the rate of oxidation depends on the type of added organic substrate. Carbonate requirement for this process indicates mixotrophic metabolism. The relatedness of the isolated bacterium to the representatives of the genus Pseudonomas and their phenotypic similarity provide a basis for considering strain L7 not as "Siderocapsa" sp., but as a new species, Pseudomonas siderocapsa sp. nov., of the P. putida cluster.     

Systematic study of the genus Acetobacter with descriptions of Acetobacter indonesiensis sp. nov., Acetobacter tropicalis sp. nov., Acetobacter orleanensis (Henneberg 1906) comb. nov., Acetobacter lovaniensis (Frateur 1950) comb. nov., and Acetobacter estunensis (Carr 1958) comb. nov

Thirty-one Acetobacter strains obtained from culture collections and 45 Acetobacter strains isolated from Indonesian sources were investigated for their phenotypic characteristics, ubiquinone systems, DNA base compositions, and levels of DNA-DNA relatedness. Of 31 reference strains, six showed the presence of ubiquinone 10 (Q-10). These strains were eliminated from the genus Acetobacter. The other 25 reference strains and 45 Indonesian isolates were subjected to a systematic study and separated into 8 distinct groups on the basis of DNA-DNA relatedness. The known species, Acetobacter aceti, A. pasteurianus, and A. peroxydans are retained for three of these groups. New combinations, A. orleanensis (Henneberg 1906) comb. nov., A. lovaniensis (Frateur 1950) comb. nov., and A. estunensis (Carr 1958) comb. nov. are proposed for three other groups. Two new species, A. indonesiensis sp. nov. and A. tropicalis sp. nov. are proposed for the remaining two. No Indonesian isolates were identified as A. aceti, A. estunensis, and A. peroxydans. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rDNA sequences was carried out for representative strains from each of the groups. This supported that the eight species belonged to the genus Acetobacter. Several strains previously assigned to the species of A. aceti and A. pasteurianus were scattered over the different species. It is evident that the value of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains comprising a new species should be determined for the establishment of the species. Thus current bacterial species without data of DNA-DNA relatedness should be reexamined for the stability of bacterial nomenclature.     

Halohasta litorea gen. nov. sp. nov., and Halohasta litchfieldiae sp. nov., isolated from the Daliang aquaculture farm, China and from Deep Lake, Antarctica, respectively

Two halophilic archaeal strains, R30^T and tADL^T, were isolated from an aquaculture farm in Dailing, China, and from Deep Lake, Antarctica, respectively. Both have rod-shaped cells that lyse in distilled water, stain Gram-negative and form red-pigmented colonies. They are neutrophilic, require >120?g/l NaCl and 48–67?g/l MgCl₂ for growth but differ in their optimum growth temperatures (30?°C, tADL^T vs. 40?°C, R30^T). The major polar lipids were typical for members of the Archaea but also included a major glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains are 97.4?% identical, show most similarity to genes of the family Halobacteriaceae, and cluster together as a distinct clade in phylogenetic tree reconstructions. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains R30^T and tADL^T is 92.9?% and less to other halobacteria. Their DNA G?+?C contents are 62.4–62.9?mol?% but DNA–DNA hybridization gives a relatedness of only 44?%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, we describe two new species of a novel genus, represented by strain R30^T (=?CGMCC 1.10593^T?=?JCM 17270^T) and strain tADL^T (=?JCM 15066^T?=?DSMZ 22187^T) for which we propose the names Halohasta litorea gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halohasta litchfieldiae sp. nov., respectively.     

Acinetobacter marinus sp. nov. and Acinetobacter seohaensis sp. nov., isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea

Two Gram-negative, nonmotile, coccobacilli, SW-3T and SW-100T, were isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea. Strains SW-3T and SW-100T contained ubiquinone-9 (Q-9) as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C18:1 omega9c and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C contents of strains SW-3T and SW-100T were 44.1 mol% and 41.9 mol%, respectively. A neighbor-joining tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two isolates fell within the evolutionary radiation enclosed by the genus Acinetobacter. Strains SW-3T and SW-100T exhibited a 16S rRNA gene similarity value of 95.7% and a mean DNA-DNA relatedness level of 9.2%. Strain SW-3T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 93.5-96.9% to the validly described Acinetobacter species and fifteen Acinetobacter genomic species. Strain SW-100T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of less than 97.0% to the other Acinetobacter species except Acinetobacter towneri DSM 14962T (98.0% similarity). Strains SW-3T and SW-100T exhibited mean levels of DNA-DNA relatedness of 7.3-16.7% to the type strains of some phylogenetically related Acinetobacter species. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic data, strains SW-3T and SW-100T were classified in the genus Acinetobacter as two distinct novel species, for which the names Acinetobacter marinus sp. nov. (type strain SW-3T=KCTC 12259T=DSM 16312T) and Acinetobacter seohaensis sp. nov. (type strain SW-100T=KCTC 12260T=DSM 16313T) are proposed, respectively.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Poseidonocella pacifica</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Poseidonocella sedimentorum</Emphasis> sp. nov., novel alphaproteobacteria from the shallow sandy sediments of the Sea of Japan

The taxonomic study of two Gram-negative, aerobic, non-pigmented bacteria KMM 9010^T and KMM 9023^T isolated from a sandy sediment sample collected from the Sea of Japan seashore was performed. On the basis of the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences, strains KMM 9010^T and KMM 9023^T clustered with the Roseobacter lineage (class Alphaproteobacteria) forming a distinct phylogenetic line adjacent to the genus Donghicola. Novel strains shared the highest sequence similarity of 96.4% to each other and lower than 96.1% similarities to other validly named genera of the class Alphaproteobacteria. In both strains, ubiquinone Q-10 was found to be the major respiratory quinone; phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, and an unknown aminolipid were the major polar lipids and C_18:1ω7c and 11-methyl C_18:1ω7c were predominant fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 60.5 mol% (KMM 9010^T) and 65.4 mol% (KMM 9023^T). Based on phenotypic properties and phylogenetic evidence, strains KMM 9010^T and KMM 9023^T should be classified as two novel species in a new genus, Poseidonocella gen. nov., with Poseidonocella pacifica sp. nov., the type species with the type strain KMM 9010^T (= NRIC 0794^T = JCM 17310^T), and Poseidonocella sedimentorum sp. nov. as the second species with the type strain KMM 9023^T (= NRIC 0796^T = JCM 17311^T).     

Psychrosphaera saromensis gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Pseudoalteromonadaceae, isolated from Lake Saroma, Japan

Three Gram-negative, motile, coccoid- and ellipsoidal-shaped, non-pigmented, chemoheterotrophic bacteria, designated strains SA4-31, SA4-46 and SA4-48(T), were isolated from Lake Saroma in Japan and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomical study. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the novel isolates could be affiliated to the family Pseudoalteromonadaceae of the order Alteromonadales. The strains shared approximately 99.7-100% sequence similarity with each other and showed 89.5-93.2% similarity with members of the family Pseudoalteromonadaceae with validly published names. The DNA-DNA relatedness among the strains SA 4-31, SA 4-46 and SA 4-48(T) was higher than 80%, a value that is accepted as a phylogenetic definition of one species. The DNA G+C contents of the three strains were 38.7-39.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and C16:0, C16:1 ω7c, C18:1 ω7c and C12:1 3OH were the major fatty acids. Based on the evidence from the polyphasic taxonomical study, it was concluded that the three strains should be classified as representing a new genus and species of the family Pseudoalteromonadaceae, for which the name Psychrosphaera saromensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain SA4-48(T) =NBRC 107123(T)= KCTC 23240(T)) is proposed.     

Sufflavibacter maritimus gen. nov., sp. nov., novel Flavobacteriaceae bacteria isolated from marine environments

Four Gram-negative, chemoheterotrophic, nonmotile, yellow-colored strains were isolated from the East Sea or from deep-sea sediments of Nankai Trough by standard dilution plating. Characterization by polyphasic approaches indicated that the four strains are members of the same species. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strains formed a coherent and novel genus-level lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae. The dominant cellular fatty acids were i-C15:0, 3-OH i-C17:0, and 2-OH i-C15:0 and/or C16:1 omega7c. Predominance of 2-OH i-C 15:0 and/or C16:1omega7c clearly differentiated the strains from closely related members. The DNA G+C contents ranged 35.1-36.2 mol%. It is proposed, from the polyphasic evidence, that the strains should be placed into a novel genus and species named Sufflavibacter maritimus gen. nov., sp. nov., with strain IMCC 1001T (=KCCM 42359T=NBRC 102039T) as the type strain.     

Lactobacillus oligofermentans sp. nov., Associated with Spoilage of Modified-Atmosphere-Packaged Poultry Products

Unidentified lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolates which had mainly been detected in spoiled, marinated, modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) broiler meat products during two previous studies, were identified and analyzed for their phenotypic properties and the capability to produce biogenic amines. To establish the taxonomic position of these isolates, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, numerical analysis of ribopatterns, and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments were done. Unexpectedly for a meat-spoilage-associated LAB, the strains utilized glucose very weakly. According to the API 50 CHL test, arabinose and xylose were the only carbohydrates strongly fermented. None of the six strains tested for production of histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, putrescine, and cadaverine were able to produce these main meat-associated biogenic amines in vitro. The polyphasic taxonomy approach showed that these strains represent a new Lactobacillus species. The six isolates sequenced for the 16S rRNA encoding genes shared the highest similarity (95.0 to 96.3%) with the sequence of the Lactobacillus durianis type strain. In the phylogenetic tree, these isolates formed a distinct cluster within the Lactobacillus reuteri group, which also includes L. durianis. Numerical analyses of HindIII-EcoRI ribotypes placed all isolates together in a cluster with seven subclusters well separated from the L. reuteri group reference strains. The DNA-DNA hybridization levels between Lactobacillus sp. nov. isolates varied from 67 to 96%, and low hybridization levels (3 to 15%) were obtained with the L. durianis type strain confirming that these isolates belong to the same species different from L. durianis. The name Lactobacillus oligofermentans sp. nov. is proposed, with strain LMG 22743^T (also known as DSM 15707^T or AMKR18^T) as the type strain.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alkalimonas amylolytica</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Alkalimonas delamerensis</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., novel alkaliphilic bacteria from soda lakes in China and East Africa

Two related novel alkaliphilic and slightly halophilic bacteria are described. They are strain N10 from Lake Chahannor in China and strain 1E1 from Lake Elmenteita in East Africa. Both strains are strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, alkaliphilic, mesophilic, and require NaCl for growth. The optimal conditions for growth were at pH 10–10.5 and 2–3% (w/v) NaCl. Cells of both strains were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, and motile with a single polar flagellum. Cellular fatty acids in both strains were predominantly saturated and mono-unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids (16:0, 16:17c and 18:17c). The major isoprenoid quinone of both strains was Q8. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate and phosphatidylethanolamine. The guanine plus cytosine (G+C) content of the DNA was 52.5 mol% and 55.4 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two strains formed a distinct lineage within the gamma-3 subclass of the Proteobacteria. The strains shared a 16S rDNA sequence similarity of 96.1% and showed less than 93.7% of sequence similarity to any other known species. Based on polyphasic data, the two strains were differentiated from currently recognized genera and represent a new genus, Alkalimonas gen. nov., with two species, Alkalimonas amylolytica sp. nov. (type strain is N10^T = AS 1.3430) and Alkalimonas delamerensis sp. nov. ( type strain is 1E1^{P, T} = CBS 391.94). The GenBank accession numbers for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strains N10 and 1E1 are AF250323 and X92130, respectively.Communicated by K. Horikoshi     

Proteinivorax tanatarense gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic, haloalkaliphilic, proteolytic bacterium isolated from a decaying algal bloom, and proposal of Proteinivoraceae fam. nov.

Two strains of a novel anaerobic, protein- and nucleoside-utilizing bacterium, Z-910^T and Z-810, were isolated. The strains were spore-forming, mainly nonmotile rods, exhibiting positive Gram reaction with Gram-positive cell wall structure. The strains were mesophilic and haloalkaliphilic. Cultures used proteins and proteinaceous substrates as carbon, nitrogen, and energy sources. Both strains used also ribonucleosides, cellobiose, pyruvate, and glycerol. Ribose and nucleobases did not support growth. The fermentation products from all utilized substrates were identical but varied in content and included straight and branched acids, as well as hydrogen and ammonia. When grown on tryptone, strain Z-910^T was able to reduce fumarate, dimethyl sulfoxide, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur. Neither nitrate nor sulfate was reduced. The DNA G + C content of strain Z-910^T was 32.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity revealed that strains Z-910^T and Z-810 represented a new branch within the order Clostridiales, with 90.2 % similarity to the nearest genus with a validly published name Anaerobranca gottschalkii DSM 13577^T. According to their physiological, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties, strains Z-910^T and Z-810 represented a new genus and novel species, for which the name Proteinivorax tanatarense gen. nov., sp. nov. was proposed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genera Proteinivorax gen. nov. and Anaerobranca formed a separate cluster within the order Clostridiales. The family Proteinivoraceae fam. nov. comprising the genera Proteinivorax gen. nov. and Anaerobranca was therefore proposed within the order Clostridiales of the phylum Firmicutes with Proteinivorax as a type genus of the new family.     

Isolation and characterization of a unicellular manganese-oxidizing bacterium from a freshwater lake in northwestern Russia

A unicellular manganese-oxidizing bacterium (strain L7), isolated from Lake Ladoga, is identified as “Siderocapsa” sp. according to its morphology. However, this bacterium belongs to the phylogenetic cluster of Pseudomonas putida. The physiological characteristics (utilization of sugars, polyols, organic acids, and phenolic substrates as carbon and energy sources) also indicate the similarity of strain L7 to representatives of the genus Pseudomonas. The growing culture oxidizes Mn(II); the rate of oxidation depends on the type of added organic substrate. Carbonate requirement for this process indicates mixotrophic metabolism. The relatedness of the isolated bacterium to the representatives of the genus Pseudomonas and their phenotypic similarity provide a basis for considering strain L7 not as “Siderocapsa” sp., but as a new species, Pseudomonas siderocapsa sp. nov., of the P. putida cluster.