Resistance of the Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) to infection with Mikrocytos mackini

Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum) challenged in laboratory trials via bath exposure proved to be resistant to infections with Mikrocytos mackini (protistan parasite of unknown taxonomic affiliation), while Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) challenged simultaneously using identical conditions developed infections. Although M. mackini was detected by a nucleic acid pathogen specific (PCR) assay in 10-30% of the challenged V. philippinarum that were sampled soon after exposure (0-48 h, n = 40), all of the subsequent V. philippinarum (n = 62) sampled 9-17 weeks post-exposure tested negative for M. mackini by PCR assay. Prevalence of infection for the exposed C. gigas (n = 100) during this same period ranged from 50% to 100% by PCR assay. Infection was confirmed in the oysters (58%, n = 60) by a digoxigenin-labelled DNA probe designed to detect M. mackini by in situ hybridization, but M. mackini was not found in any of the exposed Manila clams (n = 63) using this technique.     

Semicircular canal system in early primates

Mammals with more rapid and agile locomotion have larger semicircular canals relative to body mass than species that move more slowly. Measurements of semicircular canals in extant mammals with known locomotor behaviours can provide a basis for testing hypotheses about locomotion in fossil primates that is independent of postcranial remains, and a means of reconstructing locomotor behaviour in species known only from cranial material. Semicircular canal radii were measured using ultra high resolution X-ray CT data for 9 stem primates (“plesiadapiforms”; n = 11), 7 adapoids (n = 12), 4 omomyoids (n = 5), and the possible omomyoid Rooneyia viejaensis (n = 1). These were compared with a modern sample (210 species including 91 primates) with known locomotor behaviours. The predicted locomotor agilities for extinct primates generally follow expectations based on known postcrania for those taxa. “Plesiadapiforms” and adapids have relatively small semicircular canals, suggesting they practiced less agile locomotion than other fossil primates in the sample, which is consistent with reconstructions of them as less specialized for leaping. The derived notharctid adapoids (excluding Cantius) and all omomyoids sampled have relatively larger semicircular canals, suggesting that they were more agile, with Microchoerus in particular being reconstructed as having had very jerky locomotion with relatively high magnitude accelerations of the head. Rooneyia viejaensis is reconstructed as having been similarly agile to omomyids and derived notharctid adapoids, which suggests that when postcranial material is found for this species it will exhibit features for some leaping behaviour, or for a locomotor mode requiring a similar degree of agility.     

A multicenter pilot external quality assessment programme to assess the quality of molecular detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae

An external quality assessment (EQA) panel consisting of a total of 13 samples in broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) or transport medium was prepared to assess the proficiency of laboratories in the correct detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae by nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs) (6 samples containing various concentrations (4.9-490 inclusion forming units (IFU)/ml) of C. pneumoniae, 5 samples containing various concentrations (20-5000 color-changing units (CCU)/ml) of M. pneumoniae and 2 samples negative for both).Seventy-nine laboratories from 18 countries participated in this EQA study. Sixty-four datasets were returned for C. pneumoniae (n = 5 conventional commercial, n = 10 conventional in-house, n = 4 real-time commercial, n = 43 real-time in-house, and n = 2 SDA). Sixty-seven datasets were obtained for M. pneumoniae (n = 5 conventional commercial, n = 10 conventional in-house, n = 4 real-time commercial, n = 46 real-time in-house, and n = 2 strand displacement amplification (SDA)). For the total panels, correct results per sample varied between 95.3% and 100% for C. pneumoniae and between 53.7% and 95.5% for M. pneumoniae. In general, commercial conventional NAATs showed possible sensitivity issues when compared to conventional in-house NAATs for both organisms. On the other hand, real-time commercial NAATs scored better than real-time in-house assays in terms of sensitivity for both organisms. For C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae, 0.8% and 2.2% true false-positive results and 1.9% and 2.0% false positives were reported in the samples spiked with the other organism.Analysis of the data for C. pneumoniae showed that the concentrations used were easily detectable by the vast majority of participants. The percentage of correct qualitative results for M. pneumoniae demonstrated that the concentrations included in this panel proved challenging for a number of participants.     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium genotypes in pre and post-weaned pigs in Australia

A total of 289 pig faecal samples were collected from pre-weaned and post-weaned piglets and sows from 1 indoor and 3 outdoor piggeries located in the south-west region of Western Australia and screened at the 18S rRNA locus for the presence of Cryptosporidium. An overall prevalence of 22.1% (64/289) was identified. Cryptosporidium was more prevalent in post-weaned animals (p < 0.05); 32.7% (51/156) versus 10.6% (13/123) for pre-weaned animals. Sequence analysis identified Cryptosporidium suis in all pre-weaned isolates genotyped (7/13). In post-weaned pigs that were genotyped (n = 38), the non-zoonotic Cryptosporidium species, pig genotype II was identified in 32 samples and C. suis in 6 samples. The zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum was not detected, suggesting that domestic pigs do not pose a significant public health risk. Pig genotype II was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with ‘normal’ stools, indicating an asymptomatic nature in the porcine host.     

Effects of two acanthocephalan species on the reproduction of Hyalella patagonica (Amphipoda, Hyalellidae) in an Andean Patagonian Lake (Argentina)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate alterations in the reproduction induced by acanthellae and cystacanths of the acanthocephalans Acanthocephalus tumescens and Corynosoma sp. in the amphipod Hyalella patagonica from Lake Mascardi. Specimens of H. patagonica were separated in two categories: paired amphipods (joined specimens during precopulatory mate guarding period until fertilization) and unpaired amphipods (alone specimens). Different analyses were performed: first with paired (n = 406) and unpaired (n = 375) amphipods, and second only with female amphipods (n = 1949), that were classified into three categories (without internal oocytes and eggs, only with internal oocytes, and with eggs). Also, carotenoid extraction was performed of amphipods uninfected (n = 75) and infected (n = 105) by cystacanths of Corynosoma sp. Unpaired amphipods had significantly higher prevalence of cystacanths of both acanthocephalan species than paired ones; but such differences were not found in prevalence of acanthellae. Female amphipods without internal oocytes and eggs showed significantly higher prevalence of cystacanths of both acanthocephalan species than the two other female categories; while females with eggs had significantly higher prevalence of A. tumescens acanthellae. Amphipods infected by Corynosoma sp. showed lower carotenoid concentration than uninfected ones. In Lake Mascardi, there is indirect evidence of both reduced mating success and female fecundity of H. patagonica provoked by both cystacanths species (A. tumescens and Corynosoma sp.). However, infections by acanthellae seem to have no effects.     

Prevalence and distribution of parasites and pathogens of Triatominae from Argentina, with emphasis on Triatoma infestans and Triatoma virus TrV

Chagas’ disease is the most important endemic arthropod-zoonosis in Argentina with an estimated 1.6 million people infected with the causative agent Trypanosoma cruzi. Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Chagas’ disease in Argentina. A survey for parasites and pathogens of Triatominae was conducted from August 2002 to February 2005. Collections of insects were made in domiciles, peridomiciles, and in the natural habitats of the Triatominae. Insects from these collections were dissected and their organs and tissues examined for flagellates. Frass from these insects was collected and examined for detection of the entomopathogenic virus Triatoma virus (TrV) using AC-ELISA and PCR. Triatominae belonging to four species, T. infestans (n = 1646), Triatoma guasayana (n = 4), Triatoma platensis (n = 1) and Triatoma sordida (n = 5) were collected from 62 sites located in 13 provinces of Argentina. Triatoma virus and two protozoan species, Blastocrithidia triatomae and T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, were found infecting Triatominae. The total prevalence of TrV in 1646 T. infestans analyzed by ELISA was 9.66% (159/1646) from 7 to 13 provinces where collections were made. Triatoma virus positive triatomines were found in 17 of 62 populations when examined by AC-ELISA but in 38 of 62 populations when PCR was used for detection. The prevalence of B. triatomae in T. infestans was 0.43% (7/1646), while the prevalence of T. cruzi was 1.3% (21/1646). This is the first study on the diversity, distribution and prevalence of flagellated protozoa and TrV of Triatominae in endemic Chagas’ disease regions of Argentina.     

Group size, sex and age composition of chital (Axis axis) and sambar (Rusa unicolor) in a deciduous habitat of Western Ghats

Knowledge of the social structure of a population is important for a range of fundamental and applied purposes. Group characteristics and population structure of chital (Axis axis) and sambar (Rusa unicolor) were studied in a deciduous habitat of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India, during 2008-2009. Vehicle transects were monitored monthly to gather information on group-size and age-sex composition of chital and sambar. The average mean group size and crowding for chital and sambar was 13.1 ± 0.5 (n = 1020), 3.6 ± 0.2 (n = 377) and 33.3, 11.0 respectively. The average adult male:adult female:fawn ratio was 63.4:100:22.3 (n = 9391) and 43.9:100:23.7 (n = 1023) in chital and sambar respectively. The mean group size of chital and sambar varied significantly between seasons (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = <0.001). Peak fawning season was observed from February to May for chital and May to August for sambar. Group's sex-age composition influenced group formation in both species between seasons at different level. Adult male and fawn were the important predicting variables of change in group size. Skewed female sex ratio was probably due to selective male predation by large predators. Although fawning occurred throughout the year, both species showed seasonality in fawning. The above mentioned patterns differed between species depending upon their ecological adaptation in foraging strategies and habitat preference.     

Identification of zoonotic Giardia genotypes in fish

Apart from a single record in a shark, there have been no published studies conducted on Giardia genotypes in fish. The present study investigated the prevalence of Giardia in cultured fingerlings (n = 227), wild freshwater (n = 227) and wild marine/estuarine species (n = 255) of fish in Western Australia by PCR amplification at the 18S rRNA, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) and beta-giardin (bg) loci. Results revealed a low prevalence of Giardia, 3.8% (27/709), in fish hosts. The zoonotic Giardia species, Giardia duodenalis assemblages A, B as well as G. duodenalis assemblage E and Giardia microti were detected. The identification of zoonotic species of Giardia highlights the public health importance of investigating parasites within fish host species.     

Chemical implantation of Group 4 cations on silica via cyclopentadienyl- and N,N-dialkylcarbamato derivatives

Chemical implantation of Group 4 cations [Ti(III), Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Hf(IV)] has been carried out under mild conditions by the reaction of polycyclopentadienyl- (MCp_n; M = Ti, n = 3, 4; M = Zr, Hf, n = 4), mixed cyclopentadienyl/N,N-dialkylcarbamato (ML_x(O₂CNEt₂)_y; M = Ti, L = Cp, C₅Me₅ (Cp*), x = 2, y = 1; M = Hf, L = Cp, x = 1, y = 3), and N,N-dialkylcarbamato (M(O₂CNR₂)_n, M = Ti, n = 3, R = ⁱPr; M = Ti, Hf, n = 4, R = Et; M = Zr, n = 4, R = ⁱPr) derivatives, with the silanol groups of amorphous silica. Cyclopentadiene/pentamethylcyclopentadiene and/or carbon dioxide and the secondary amine are released in the process. The amount of implanted cations depends on the metal and on the ligands, the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complex being less reactive than the unsubstituted congener. The starting complexes and the final products have been characterized by EPR or by ¹³C CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy.     

The reproductive performance of female Formosan sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) in semi-domesticated herds

This study documented the reproductive performance of 210 adult female Formosan sambar deer (FSD, Cervus unicolor swinhoei) from four semi-domesticated deer herds in Taiwan. An extensive analysis of 525 reproductive records from 2000 to 2008, including the conditions of estrus, gestation, and parturition was conducted. The mean ± S.E.M. lengths of the estrous cycle, gestation, and fawning interval were 18.2 ± 0.5 d (n = 56), 258.6 ± 0.3 d (n = 160), and 369.9 ± 2.3 d (n = 122), respectively. Hand breeding was performed between June and December (n = 494), with the majority (93.1%) occurring between July and October (P < 0.05). Fawning occurred from February to September (n = 318), and most frequently (83.0%) between April and June (P < 0.05). Pregnancy rate per mating in FSD hinds was 64.4%. There was a 1.3:1 male-to-female ratio at birth (P < 0.05) among 320 fawns, and only two cases of twinning (0.63%). The postnatal mortality rate was 6.6% (21/320), and the mortality rate in fawns before weaning did not exceed 8% on any farm. Fecundity was enhanced by high pregnancy rates and high offspring survival rates. This study provides baseline information on reproductive performance of FSD, which should be valuable to veterinarians and deer industry personnel for management of FSD on farms in subtropical countries.     

Molecular detection of Leishmania infection in sand flies in border line of Iran–Turkmenistan: Restricted and permissive vectors

A molecular study was carried out to incriminate sand fly vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in rural areas of Sarakhs district, Khorassane-Razavi Province, northeastern Iran, in 2011. Sand flies of Sergentomyia with three species and Phlebotomus with six species respectively comprised 73.3% and 26.7% of the specimens. Phlebotomus papatasi was the most common Phlebotomine species in outdoor and indoor resting places. Leishmania infection was found at least in 17 (22%) specimens including Ph. papatasi (n = 9 pool samples), Phlebotomus caucasicus (n = 6), Phlebotomus alexandri (n = 1), and Sergentomyia sintoni (n = 1). The parasites were found comprised Leishmania major (n = 5), Leishmania turanica (n = 10), and Leishmania gerbilli (n = 4). Infection of Ph. papatasi with both L. major and L. turanica supporting the new suggestion indicating that it is not restricted only with L. major. Circulation of L. major by Ph. alexandri, and both L. gerbilli and L. turanica by Ph. caucasicus, in addition to previous data indicating the ability of Ph. alexandri to circulate Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani, and Ph. caucasicus to circulate L. major, suggests that these two species can be permissive vectors. The results suggest that Ph. papatasi and Ph. alexandri are the primary and secondary vectors of CL where circulating L. major between human and reservoirs, whereas Ph. caucasicus is circulating L. turanica and L. gerbilli between the rodents in the region.     

Toxoplasma gondii: serological characterization and immunogenicity of recombinant surface antigen 2 (SAG2) expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris

The full length surface antigen 2 (SAG2) gene of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was cloned and intracellularly expressed in the Pichia pastoris expression system. The molecular weight of the expressed recombinant SAG2 (36 kDa) was much larger than the native SAG2 (22 kDa). This discrepancy in size was due to hyperglycosylation, as deglycosylation assay reduced the size of the recombinant SAG2 to 22 kDa. Despite being hyperglycosylated, the recombinant SAG2 reacted strongly with pooled anti-Toxoplasma human serum, pooled anti-Toxoplasma mouse serum and a SAG2-specific monoclonal antibody. The glycosylated recombinant SAG2 was further evaluated in Western blot and in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using 80 human serum samples, including confirmed early acute (IgM positive, IgG negative; n = 20), acute (IgM positive, IgG positive; n = 20) and chronic (IgM negative, IgG positive; n = 20) toxoplasmosis patients, and toxoplasmosis negative control patients (n = 20). Results of the Western blot showed that the recombinant SAG2 reacted with all 60 samples of the toxoplasmosis cases but not with the Toxoplasma-negative samples. The sensitivity of in-house ELISA was 80%, 95% and 100% for early acute, acute and chronic patients’ serum samples, respectively. Vaccination study showed that serum from mice immunised with the glycosylated recombinant SAG2 reacted specifically with the native SAG2 of T. gondii. The mice were significantly protected against lethal challenge with live T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites (P < 0.01) and their survival time was increased compared to controls. Therefore, the present study shows that the P. pastoris-derived recombinant SAG2 was specific and suitable for use as antigen for detecting anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. The vaccination study showed that recombinant SAG2 protein was immunoprotective in mice against lethal challenge.     

Effects of Echinaforce treatment on ex vivo-stimulated blood cells

The herb Echinacea purpurea, also called purple coneflower, is regarded as an immune modulator. This study examined changes in cytokine production in blood samples from 30 volunteers before and during 8-day oral administration with an ethanolic extract of fresh Echinacea purpurea (Echinaforce^®). Daily blood samples were ex vivo stimulated by LPS/SEB or Zymosan and analysed for a series of cytokines and haematological and metabolic parameters. Treatment reduced the proinflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-1β by up to 24% (p < 0.05) and increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels by 13% (p < 0.05) in comparison to baseline. This demonstrated a substantial overall anti-inflammatory effect of Echinaforce^® for the whole group (n = 28). Chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8 were upregulated by 15% in samples from subjects treated with Echinaforce^® (p < 0.05). An analysis of a subgroup of volunteers who showed low pre-treatment levels of the cytokines MCP-1, IL-8, IL-10 or IFN-γ (n = 8) showed significant stimulation of these factors upon Echinaforce^® treatment (30-49% increases; p < 0.05), whereas the levels in subjects with higher pre-treatment levels remained unaffected. We chose the term “adapted immune-modulation” to describe this observation. Volunteers who reported high stress levels (n = 7) and more than 2 colds per year experienced a significant transient increase in IFN-γ upon Echinaforce^® treatment (>50%). Subjects with low cortisol levels (n = 11) showed significant down-regulation of the acute-phase proteins IL1-β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α by Echinaforce^® (range, 13-25%), while subjects with higher cortisol levels showed no such down-regulation. This is the first ex vivo study to demonstrate adapted immune-modulation by an Echinacea preparation. While Echinaforce^® did not affect leukocyte counts, we speculate that the underlying therapeutic mechanism is based on differential multi-level modulation of the responses of the different types of leukocytes. Echinaforce^® thus regulates the production of chemokines and cytokines according to current immune status, such as responsiveness to exogenous stimuli, susceptibility to viral infection and exposure to stress.     

Does fumagillin control the recently detected invasive parasite Nosema ceranae in western honey bees (Apis mellifera)?

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in Nova Scotia, Canada were sampled in spring and late summer 2007 to evaluate efficacy of fumagillin dicyclohexylammonium (hereafter, fumagillin) against Nosema ceranae. Colonies treated with fumagillin in September 2006 (n = 94) had significantly lower Nosema intensity in spring 2007 than did colonies that received no treatment (n = 51), but by late summer 2007 no difference existed between groups. Molecular sequencing of 15 infected colonies identified N. ceranae in 93.3% of cases, suggesting that fumagillin is successful at temporarily reducing this recent invasive parasite in western honey bees.     

Cytotoxicity from sulfide exposure in a sulfide-tolerant marine invertebrate

It is unknown whether sulfide-tolerant marine invertebrates suffer cytotoxicity from sulfide exposure in vivo at environmentally-relevant concentrations. We tested this with the mudflat polychaete Glycera dibranchiata. Exposure of live animals to sulfide up to 2.4 mmol l^− 1 for 24 h did not affect animal survival, and animal condition (gross appearance and activity) was unaffected at sulfide concentrations up to 0.25 mmol l^− 1. However, animal condition was decreased at higher sulfide concentrations (P < 0.0001, n = 33). Coelomic fluid obtained from the animals showed decreased erythrocyte count (P = 0.0035, n = 14), indicating cell loss, and increased propidium iodide and Hoechst 33324 staining (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003, respectively, n = 14), indicating loss of plasma membrane integrity, even at sulfide concentrations that produced no change in animal condition. When G. dibranchiata were allowed a 72 h recovery period following 24 h sulfide exposure, there was no overall improvement in condition (P ≥ 0.12, n = 7-8), and worms that had been exposed to 1 mmol l^−  1 sulfide still had an erythrocyte count that was less than half that of control animals (P = 0.028, n = 7). The inability to completely recover the cell count was at least partially due to impaired production of new erythrocytes, since analysis of BrdU incorporation indicated that erythrocyte proliferation was reduced from 2% per day in control animals to 0.12% per day in animals exposed to 1 mmol l^− 1 sulfide (P = 0.010, n = 21). Together, these findings indicate that at least some sulfide-tolerant marine invertebrates experience significant cellular injury and impaired tissue proliferation when exposed to environmentally relevant sulfide concentrations, even when the appearance and behavior of the animal appear unaffected.     

Effect of Acanthocephala infection on the reproductive potential of crustacean intermediate hosts

The effect of a naturally acquired infection by three acanthocephalan parasites Dentitruncus truttae, Echinorhynchus truttae, and Polymorphus minutus on the reproductive potential of their intermediate host, Echinogammarus tibaldii (Amphipoda) from Lake Piediluco (Centre of Italy) was assessed. During May 2007, 1135 amphipods were collected from two different samplings and examined for larval helminths. Forty-five amphipods were infected and of those, 16 were infected with D. truttae (intensity = 1-3 larvae), 15 with E. truttae (intensity = 1-2 larvae), and 14 with P. minutus (intensity = 1 larva). The sex ratio was nearly 1:1 in all examined amphipods. One female infected with D. truttae contained six eggs in the brood pouch and another female infected with E. truttae contained five eggs. However, none of the eight female amphipods harbouring P. minutus larva contained eggs in their brood pouch. Uninfected females of the same size and body length as that of the infected females contained between 20 and 32 eggs. No acanthocephalan species were found to co-occur.     

Elimination of Taenia solium transmission to pigs in a field trial of the TSOL18 vaccine in Cameroon

A pilot field trial of the TSOL18 vaccine was undertaken in Cameroon. Two hundred and forty, 2-3 month-old piglets were distributed to 114 individual households in pairs. Vaccinated animals received three immunisations with 200 μg TSOL18 plus 5 mg Quil A and 30 mg/kg oxfendazole at the time of the second immunisation. Necropsies were undertaken when the pigs were approximately 12 months of age. Viable Taenia solium cysticerci were identified in 20 control pigs (prevalence 19.6%); no cysticerci were found in any of the vaccinated animals (P < 0.0001). Combined application of TSOL18 vaccination and a single oxfendazole treatment in pigs may be a relatively simple and sustainable procedure that has the potential to control T. solium transmission in endemic areas and, indirectly, reduce the number of new cases of neurocysticercosis in humans.     

Characteristics of the spermathecal contents of old and young honeybee queens

Sperm are often stored, for a long time after mating, in females of various animal species. In case of the queen honeybee (Apis mellifera), sperm remain fertile for several years in the spermatheca. Little information is available regarding the effect of long-term storage of sperm on its fertility. To evaluate this, enzymes and/or sperm have been analysed from the spermatheca of 75 queens of various ages (0 year Y0, n = 14; one year Y1, n = 14; two years Y2, n = 7; virgin queen VQ, n = 40) and semen samples have been taken from 46 drones. The sperm from the spermatheca of older queens move more slowly (F = 11.45, P < 0.0001) and show different movement patterns (Chi² = 90.0, P < 0.0001) from those of the other groups. The spermatheca content of differently aged mated queens differ significantly with respect to the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (F = 3.37, P < 0.05), citrate synthase (F = 6.24, P < 0.005) and arginine kinase (F = 9.44, P < 0.0006). Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (F = 0.10, P = 0.91) does not differ significantly. The results suggest considerable changes in the energy metabolic profile of the spermatheca tissue, of the sperm or of both during sperm storage.     

Larsenia salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Halomonadaceae based on multilocus sequence analysis

Two Gram-staining-negative, moderately halophilic bacteria, strains M1-18^T and L1-16, were isolated from a saltern located in Huelva (Spain). They were motile, strictly aerobic rods, growing in the presence of 3–25% (w/v) NaCl (optimal growth at 7.5–10% [w/v] NaCl), between pH 4.0 and 9.0 (optimal at pH 6.0–7.0) and at temperatures between 15 and 40 °C (optimal at 37 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison showed that both strains showed the higher similarity values with Chromohalobacter israelensis ATCC 43985^T (95.2–94.8%) and Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043^T (95.0–94.9%), and similarity values lower than 94.6% with other species of the genera Chromohalobacter, Kushneria, Cobetia or Halomonas. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on the partial sequences of atpA, rpoD and secA housekeeping genes indicated that the new isolates formed an independent and monophyletic branch that was related to the peripheral genera of the family Halomonadaceae, Halotalea, Carnimonas and Zymobacter, supporting their placement as a new genus of the Halomonadaceae. The DNA–DNA hybridization between both strains was 82%, whereas the values between strain M1-18^T and the most closely related species of Chromohalobacter and Kushneria were equal or lower to 48%. The major cellular fatty acids were C_18:1ω7c/C_18:1ω6c, C_16:0, and C_16:1ω7c/C_16:1ω6c, a profile that differentiate this new taxon from species of the related genera. We propose the placement of both strains as a novel genus and species, within the family Halomonadaceae, with the name Larsenia salina gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is M1-18^T (= CCM 8464 = CECT 8192^T = IBRC-M 10767^T = LMG 27461^T).