Kytococcus aerolatus sp. nov., isolated from indoor air in a room colonized with moulds

A Gram-positive, coccoid bacterial isolate (02-St-019/1^T), forming beige pigmented colonies was obtained from an indoor air sample. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies it was determined that this isolate 02-St-019/1^T belonged to the genus Kytococcus, showing sequence similarties of 98.6% to Kytococcus schroeteri DSM 13884^T and 98.3% to Kytococcus sedentarius DSM 20547^T, respectively. The diagnostic diaminoacid of the peptidoglycan was lysine, cell wall sugars were ribose and xylose. The major menaquinones detected were MK-7 and MK-8. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major phospholipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. Fatty acid patterns were composed of major amounts of the iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids anteiso C_17:0, iso C_15:0 and iso C_17:0 and unsaturated fatty acids (C_17:1 ω8c, iso C_17:1 ω9c, and C_17:1 ω8c) with smaller amounts of the straight-chain fatty acids C_15:0, C_16:0 and C_17:0. The results of DNA–DNA hybridizations and physiological and biochemical tests clearly allowed a genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 02-St-019/1^T from the two described Kytococcus species. On the basis of these results a novel species to be named Kytococcus aerolatus sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain 02-St-019/1^T (=DSM 22179^T=CCM 7639^T).     

Pseudocitrobacter gen. nov., a novel genus of the Enterobacteriaceae with two new species Pseudocitrobacter faecalis sp. nov., and Pseudocitrobacter anthropi sp. nov,isolated from fecal samples from hospitalized patients in Pakistan

Four isolates of Gram-negative facultatively anaerobic bacteria, three of them producing NDM-1 carbapenemase, were isolated from hospitalized patients and outpatients attending two military hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and studied for their taxonomic position. Initially the strains were phenotypically identified as Citrobacter species. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences then showed that the four strains shared >97%, but in no case >98.3%, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to members of the genera Citrobacter, Kluyvera, Pantoea, Enterobacter and Raoultella, but always formed a separate cluster in respective phylogenetic trees. Based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) including partial recN, rpoA, thdF and rpoB gene sequence and respective amino acid sequence analysis it turned out that the strains also here always formed separate clusters. Based on further comparative analyses including DNA–DNA hybridizations, genomic fingerprint analysis using rep- and RAPD-PCRs and physiological tests, it is proposed to classify these four strains into the novel genus Pseudocitrobacter gen. nov. with a new species Pseudocitrobacter faecalis sp. nov. with strain 25 CIT^T (= CCM 8479^T = LMG 27751^T) and Pseudocitrobacter anthropi sp. nov. with strain C138^T (= CCM 8478^T = LMG 27750^T), as the type strains, respectively.     

Meiothermus granaticius sp. nov., a new slightly thermophilic red-pigmented species from the Azores

Two red-pigmented isolates, with optimum growth temperatures between 45 and 50 °C, were recovered from a hot spring in the Furnas, Área da Fonte 1825 on the Island of São Miguel in the Azores. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these organisms represented a new species of the genus Meiothermus. These new isolates could be distinguished from other strains of the species of the genus Meiothermus primarily by the fatty acid composition and polar lipid pattern, since they did not possess 2-OH fatty acids or glycolipid variant GL-1a. Moreover, the two new isolates had the lowest growth temperature range of any of the known species of the genus Meiothermus. On the basis of the results presented here we propose the name Meiothermus granaticius for the new species represented by strains AF-68^T (=DSM 23260^T = LMG 25524^T) and AF-49 (=DSM 23259 = LMG 25525).     

Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov., novel halophilic archaea isolated from a marine solar saltern

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains GX3(T) and GX26(T) were isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern near the Weihai city of Shandong Province, China. Cells from the two strains were pleomorphic and stained Gram-negative, colonies were red-pigmented. Strains GX3(T) and GX26(T) were able to grow at 25-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4-5.1M NaCl (optimum 3.1M), at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and neither strain required Mg(2+) for growth. Cells lyse in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was 8% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were PA (phosphatidic acid), PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PGP-Me (phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester) and three major glycolipids (GL1, GL2 & GL3) chromatographically identical to S-TGD-1 (sulfated galactosyl mannosy glucosyl diether), S-DGD-1 (sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether), and DGD-1 (mannosyl glucosyl diether) respectively, an unidentified lipid (GL4) was also detected in strain GX26(T). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) formed a distinct clade with the closest relative, Haladaptatus paucihalophilus (89.9-92.4% and 90.4-92.7, respectively). The rpoB' gene similarities between strains GX3(T) and GX26(T), and between the two strains and the closest relative, Halorussus rarus TBN4(T) are 96.5%, 84.3% and 83.9%, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) are 67.3 mol% and 67.2 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) was 44%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) represent two novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain GX3(T)=CGMCC 1.10384(T)=JCM 17115(T)) and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov. (type strain GX26(T)=CGMCC 1.10386(T)=JCM 17117(T)).     

Proposal of Ensifer psoraleae sp. nov., Ensifer sesbaniae sp. nov., Ensifer morelense comb. nov. and Ensifer americanum comb. nov

In a survey of rhizobia associated with the native legumes in Yunnan Province, China, seven and nine strains isolated from the root nodules of Psoralea corylifolia, Sesbania cannabina and Medicago lupulina were respectively classified into the novel genomic species groups I and II in the genus Ensifer (former Sinorhizobium) based on the sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA gene. Analyses of concatenated housekeeping genes (atpD, recA and glnII) further revealed that they were distinct lineages in the genus, and group I was most similar to Ensifer terangae and Ensifer garamanticus (both with 94.2% similarity), while group II was most similar to Ensifer adhaerens (94.0%). These groups could be distinguished from closely related species by DNA–DNA relatedness, MALID-TOF MS, cellular fatty acid profiles and a series of phenotypic characters. Therefore, two novel species were proposed: Ensifer psoraleae sp. nov. (seven strains, type strain CCBAU 65732^T = LMG 26835^T = HAMBI 3286^T) and Ensifer sesbaniae sp. nov. (nine strains, type strain CCBAU 65729^T = LMG 26833^T = HAMBI 3287^T). They had a DNA G + C mol% (T_m) of 58.9 and 60.4, respectively. Both of the type strains formed effective nodules on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and their hosts of origin. In addition, the previously described species Sinorhizobium morelense and Sinorhizobium americanum were renamed as Ensifer morelense comb. nov. and Ensifer americanum comb. nov. according to the accumulated data from different studies.     

Methyloligella halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Methyloligella solikamskensis sp. nov., two non-pigmented halotolerant obligately methylotrophic bacteria isolated from the Ural saline environments

Two newly isolated halotolerant obligately methylotrophic bacteria (strains C2^T and SK12^T) with the serine pathway of C₁ assimilation are described. The isolates are strictly aerobic, Gram negative, asporogenous, non-motile rods, forming rosettes, multiplying by binary fission. Mesophilic and neutrophilic, accumulate intracellularly compatible solute ectoine and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. The novel strains are able to grow at 0 up to 16% NaCl (w/v), optimally at 3–5% NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids are C_18:1ω7c and C_19:0cyc and the prevailing quinone is Q-10. The predominant phospholipids are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Assimilate NH₄⁺ by glutamate dehydrogenase and via the glutamate cycle (glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase). The DNA G + C contents of strains C2^T and SK12^T are 60.9 and 60.5 mol% (Tm), respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two new isolates are 99% but below 94% with other members of the Alphaproteobacteria thus indicating that they can be assigned to a novel genus Methyloligella. Rather low level of DNA–DNA relatedness (53%) between the strains C2^T and SK12^T indicates that they represent two separate species of the new genus, for which the names Methyloligella halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Methyloligella solikamskensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Methyloligella halotolerans is C2^T (=VKM B-2706^T = CCUG 61687^T = DSM 25045^T) and the type strain of Methyloligella solikamskensis is SK12^T (=VKM B-2707^T = CCUG 61697^T = DSM 25212^T).     

Candida alocasiicola sp. nov., Candida hainanensis sp. nov., Candida heveicola sp. nov. and Candida musiphila sp. nov., novel anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast species isolated from plants

In a taxonomic study on the ascomycetous yeasts isolated from plant materials collected in tropical forests in Yunnan and Hainan Provinces, southern China, four strains isolated from tree sap (YJ2E(T)) and flowers (YF9E(T), YWZH3C(T) and YYF2A(T)) were revealed to represent four undescribed yeast species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the large subunit (26S) rRNA gene D1/D2 domain sequences showed that strain YJ2E(T) was located in a clade together with Candida haemulonii and C. pseudohaemulonii. Strain YF9E(T) was most closely related to C. azyma and strain YWZH3C(T) to C. sorbophila and C. spandovensis. Strain YYF2A(T) was clustered in a clade containing small-spored Metschnikowia species and related anamorphic Candida species. The new strains differed from their closely related described species by more than 10% mismatches in the D1/D2 domain. No sexual states were observed for the four strains on various sporulation media. The new species are therefore assigned to the genus Candida and described as Candida alocasiicola sp. nov. (type strain, YF9E(T) = AS 2.3484(T) = CBS 10702(T)), Candida hainanensis sp. nov. (type strain, YYF2A(T) = AS 2.3478(T) = CBS 10696(T)), Candida heveicola sp. nov. (type strain, YJ2E(T) = AS 2.3483(T) = CBS 10701(T)) and Candida musiphila sp. nov. (type strain, YWZH3C(T) = AS 2.3479(T) = CBS 10697(T)).     

Photobacterium piscicola sp. nov., isolated from marine fish and spoiled packed cod

Five isolates from marine fish (W3^T, WM, W1S, S2 and S3) and three isolates misclassified as Photobacterium phosphoreum, originating from spoiled modified atmosphere packed stored cod (NCIMB 13482 and NCIMB 13483) and the intestine of skate (NCIMB 192), were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates were members of the genus Photobacterium. Sequence analysis using the gapA, gyrB, pyrH, recA and rpoA loci showed that these isolates formed a distinct branch in the genus Photobacterium, and were most closely related to Photobacterium aquimaris, Photobacterium kishitanii, Photobacterium phosphoreum and Photobacterium iliopiscarium. The luxA gene was present in isolates W3^T, WM, W1S, S2 and S3 but not in NCIMB 13482, NCIMB 13483 and NCIMB 192. AFLP and (GTG)₅-PCR fingerprinting indicated that the eight isolates represented at least five distinct genotypes. DNA–DNA hybridizations revealed 89% relatedness between isolate W3^T and NCIMB 192, and values below 70% with the type strains of the phylogenetically closest species, P. iliopiscarium LMG 19543^T, P. kishitanii LMG 23890^T, P. aquimaris LMG 26951^T and P. phosphoreum LMG4233^T. The strains of this new taxon could also be distinguished from the latter species by phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, we propose to classify this new taxon as Photobacterium piscicola sp. nov., with W3^T (=NCCB 100098^T = LMG 27681^T) as the type strain.     

Meiothermus rufus sp. nov., a new slightly thermophilic red-pigmented species and emended description of the genus Meiothermus

Four red-pigmented isolates, with optimum growth temperatures of approximately 55–60 °C and an optimum pH for growth between 7.5 and 8.5, were recovered from hot springs in Central France. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these organisms represented a new species of the genus Meiothermus. The new isolates could be distinguished from other strains of the species of the genus Meiothermus primarily by the glycolipid profile and fatty acid composition because these organisms lacked the hydroxy fatty acids and the glycolipid variant GL-1a found in all other isolates of the species of Meiothermus examined. On the basis of the results presented here we propose the name Meiothermus rufus for the new species, which is represented by strains CAL-4^T (=DSM 22234^T=LMG 24878^T) and CAL-12 (=DSM 22235=LMG 24879). We also propose emending the genus Meiothermus to include strains that have only one glycolipid instead of two glycolipid variants.     

Description of Dietzia lutea sp. nov., isolated from a desert soil in Egypt

An actinobacterial strain YIM 80766^T was isolated from a soil sample collected from the eastern desert of Egypt, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have a range of chemical and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Dietzia. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 80766^T and the other type strains of recognized members of the genus Dietzia were 97.0–98.9%. However, DNA–DNA hybridization values and phenotypic characteristics revealed that the strain differed from the currently recognized species of the genus Dietzia. Therefore, strain YIM 80766^T represents a novel species of the genus Dietzia, for which the name Dietzia lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 80766^T (=KCTC 19232^T=DSM 45074^T=CCTCC AA 207008^T). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain YIM 80766^T has been deposited in GenBank under the accession number EU821598.     

Microbacterium marinum sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea water

Two Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterial strains, H101(T) and H207, were isolated from deep sea water collected from South-West Indian Ocean. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two strains were closely related to one another (100% similarity), and had the closest relationship with Microbacterium hominis NBRC 15708(T) and Microbacterium insulae KCTC 19247(T) (98.2-98.3% similarities). DNA-DNA hybridization value between strains H101(T) and H207 was 87.2 ± 3.7%, and the values between the two strains and the closely related type strains were well below 70%. The two strains also shared a number of physiological and biochemical characteristics that were distinct from the closely related species, and grew at 2-37 ° C, pH 5-11 and 0-8% (w/v) NaCl. Both strains contained MK-12, MK-13 and MK-11 as the detected menaquinones. The peptidoglycan was of type B1γ with an interpeptide bridge D-Glu(Hyg)→ Gly(2)→ l-Lys. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0), anteiso-C(17:0), and iso-C(16:0). Based on the genetic and phenotypic properties, it is proposed that strains H101(T) and H207 be classified as representatives of a novel species of the genus Microbacterium, with the name Microbacterium marinum sp. nov. The type strain is H101(T) (= CGMCC 4.6941(T) = DSM 24947(T)).     

Pseudomonas aestusnigri sp. nov., isolated from crude oil-contaminated intertidal sand samples after the Prestige oil spill

Strains VGXO14^T and Vi1 were isolated from the Atlantic intertidal shore from Galicia, Spain, after the Prestige oil spill. Both strains were Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria with one polar inserted flagellum, strictly aerobic, and able to grow at 18–37 °C, pH 6–10 and 2–10% NaCl. A preliminary analysis of the 16S rRNA and the partial rpoD gene sequences indicated that these strains belonged to the Pseudomonas genus but were distinct from any known Pseudomonas species. A polyphasic taxonomic approach including phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genotypic data confirmed that the strains belonged to the Pseudomonas pertucinogena group. In a multilocus sequence analysis, the similarity of VGXO14^T and Vi1 to the closest type strain of the group, Pseudomonas pachastrellae, was 90.4%, which was lower than the threshold of 97% established to discriminate species in the Pseudomonas genus. The DNA–DNA hybridisation similarity between strains VGXO14^T and Vi1 was 79.6%, but below 70% with the type strains in the P. pertucinogena group. Therefore, the strains should be classified within the genus Pseudomonas as a novel species, for which the name Pseudomonas aestusnigri is proposed. The type strain is VGXO14^T (=CCUG 64165^T = CECT 8317^T).     

Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga sp. nov., a new aerobic EDTA-degrading bacterium

A new ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-utilizing gammaproteobacterial strain LPM-5^T was isolated from municipal sewage sludge. Aerobic, gram-negative, motile rods multiply by binary fission. Neutrophilic and mesophilic, these are unable to grow in the presence of 3% NaCl (w/v), and unable to reduce nitrate to nitrite, and are oxidase and catalase positive, but lipase negative. The major cellular fatty acids are C_i15:0, C_a15:0 and C_16:1w7c. The dominant phospholipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol (cardiolipin). The DNA G+C content is 68.3 mol% (T_m). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed a high similarity of strain LPM-5^T to the species members of genus Stenotrophomonas: S. maltophilia LMG 958^T (98.6%), S. rhizophila CCUG 47042^T (98.3%), S. koreensis TR6-01^T (97.6%) and S. acidaminiphila CIP 106456^T (97.0%). Based on these results and modest DNA–DNA hybridization levels with S. maltophilia VKM B-591^T (=LMG 958^T) (51%) and S. rhizophila CCUG 47042^T (52%), the isolate was classified as a novel species, Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga sp. nov. (type strain LPM-5^T=VKM B-2486=DSM-21508=CCUG 57178).     

Arcobacter molluscorum sp. nov., a new species isolated from shellfish

Nineteen bacteria isolates recovered from shellfish samples (mussels and oysters) showed a new and specific 16S rDNA-RFLP pattern with an Arcobacter identification method designed to recognize all species described up to 2008. These results suggested that they could belong to a new species. ERIC-PCR revealed that the 19 isolates belonged to 3 different strains. The sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of a representative strain (F98-3^T) showed 97.6% similarity with the closest species Arcobacter marinus followed by Arcobacter halophilus (95.6%) and Arcobacter mytili (94.7%). The phylogenetic analysis with the16S rRNA, rpoB, gyrB and hsp60 genes placed the shellfish strains within the same cluster as the three species mentioned (also isolated from saline habitats) but they formed an independent phylogenetic line. The DDH results between strain F98-3^T and A. marinus (54.8% ± 1.05), confirmed that it represents a new species. Several biochemical tests differentiated the shellfish isolates from all other Arcobacter species. Although the new species was different from A. mytili, they shared not only the same habitat (mussels) but also the characteristic of being so far the only Arcobacter species that are simultaneously negative for urea and indoxyl acetate hydrolysis. All results supported the classification of the shellfish strains as a new species, for which the name Arcobacter molluscorum sp. nov. with the type strain F98-3^T is proposed (=CECT 7696^T = LMG 25693^T).     

Aeromonas tecta sp. nov., isolated from clinical and environmental sources

Five Aeromonas strains, isolated from both clinical and environmental sources and characterized by a polyphasic approach, including phylogenetic analysis derived from gyrB, rpoD, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization, extensive biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility tests, were recognized as members of an unknown, or undescribed, Aeromonas species. These "Aeromonas eucrenophila-like" strains were closely related to the species A. eucrenophila and Aeromonas encheleia, but they were negative for indole and acid from glycerol tests. Therefore, based on the results of the phylogenetic analyses and DNA-DNA pairing data of these strains, a novel species of the genus Aeromonas is described, for which the name Aeromonas tecta is proposed with isolate F518(T) (CECT7082(T), DSM17300(T), MDC91(T)) as the type strain.     

Vibrio gallaecicus sp. nov. isolated from cultured clams in north-western Spain

A group of three motile facultative anaerobic marine bacteria were isolated from cultured Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) in Galicia, north-western Spain. The strains were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and four housekeeping genes, RNA polymerase α-chain (rpoA), RecA protein (recA), the α-subunit of bacterial ATP synthase (atpA) and the uridine monophosphate (UMP) kinase (pyrH), indicated that these strains were closely related to the Vibrio splendidus clade. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprints, DNA–DNA hybridizations and phylogenies of the housekeeping and 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the three strains represented a different species from all currently described vibrios. The new species could be differentiated from its nearest neighbours on the basis of several phenotypic features. The three strains are therefore a novel species within the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio gallaecicus is proposed, with the type strain being VB 8.9^T(=CECT 7244^T=LMG 24045^T).     

Pseudomonas asturiensis sp. nov., isolated from soybean and weeds

Five strains of gram negative bacteria, isolated from soybean (LPPA 221^T, 222 and 223) and weeds (LPPA 816 and 1442), were analyzed by a polyphasic approach. The isolates showed variation in their phenotypic traits and were placed in the Pseudomonas fluorescens lineage, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, as a single but well separated cluster. MLSA analysis based on gyrB and rpoD sequences clustered the strains in a single branch in the Pseudomonas syringae group, and revealed P. viridiflava as closest relative. DNA–DNA hybridizations showed medium levels of DNA–DNA relatedness with the type strain of P. viridiflava (50%) and lower levels (<32%) with other type strains of the P. syringae group, supporting classification within a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas. The strains can be distinguished from species of the P. syringae group by the fatty acid C_17:0 cyclo that is present in a low amount (2.5%) and from P. viridiflava by their inability to assimilate d-tartrate and d-sorbitol, and by the formation of red colonies on TTC medium. For this new species, the name Pseudomonas asturiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LPPA 221^T (=LMG 26898^T = CECT 8095^T).     

Gluconacetobacter maltaceti sp. nov., a novel vinegar producing acetic acid bacterium

Comparison of HaeIII- and HpaII-restriction profiles of PCR-amplified 16S-23S rDNA ITS regions of Gluconacetobacter sp. LMG 1529^T and SKU 1109 with restriction profiles of reference strains of acetic acid bacteria described by Tr?ek and Teuber [34] revealed the same but unique restriction profiles for LMG 1529^T and SKU 1109. Further analyses of nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences, nearly complete 16S-23S rDNA ITS sequences, as well as concatenated partial sequences of the housekeeping genes dnaK, groEL and rpoB, allocated both strains to a single phylogenetic cluster well separated from the other species of the genus Gluconacetobacter. DNA–DNA hybridizations confirmed their novel species identity by 73% DNA–DNA relatedness between both strains, and values below the species level (<70%) between SKU 1109 and the type strains of the closest phylogenetic neighbors. The classification of strains LMG 1529^T and SKU 1109 into a single novel species was confirmed also by AFLP and (GTG)₅-PCR DNA fingerprinting data, as well as by phenotypic data. Strains LMG 1529^T and SKU 1109 can be differentiated from their closely related Gluconacetobacter species, Gluconacetobacter entanii and Gluconacetobacter hansenii, by their ability to form 2-keto-d-gluconic acid from d-glucose, their ability to use d-mannitol, d-gluconate and glycerol as carbon source and form acid from d-fructose, and their ability to grow without acetic acid. The major fatty acid of LMG 1529^T and SKU 1109 is C_18:1ω7c (60.2–64.8%). The DNA G + C content of LMG 1529^T and SKU 1109 is 62.5 and 63.3 mol% respectively. The name Gluconacetobacter maltaceti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LMG 1529^T (= NBRC 14815^T = NCIMB 8752^T).     

Vibrio celticus sp. nov., a new Vibrio species belonging to the Splendidus clade with pathogenic potential for clams

A group of four motile facultative anaerobic marine isolates (Rd 8.15^T [=CECT 7224^T, =LMG 23850^T], Rd 16.13, Rd 6.8 [=LMG 25696] and Rd2L5) were obtained from cultured clams (Ruditapes philippinarum and Venerupis pullastra) in Galicia, north-western Spain. They formed a tight phylogenetic group based on sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and the four housekeeping genes rpoA (encoding the α-chain of RNA polymerase), rpoD (encoding the sigma factor of RNA polymerase), recA (encoding RecA protein), and atpA (encoding the α-subunit of bacterial ATP synthase). The phylogenies based on these sequences indicated that the four isolates represented a novel species in the genus Vibrio, and more precisely in the Splendidus clade. DNA–DNA hybridizations with the type strains of species showing more than 98.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, revealed a DNA–DNA relatedness below 70%. The isolates could be differentiated from the phylogenetically related Vibrio species on the basis of several phenotypic features. In addition, strain Rd 8.15^T showed potential pathogenic activity for adult clams in virulence assays. The name Vibrio celticus sp. nov. is proposed for this new taxon, with the type strain being Rd 8.15^T (=CECT 7224^T, =LMG 23850^T).     

Emended description of the genus Rhodothalassium Imhoff et al., 1998 and proposal of Rhodothalassiaceae fam. nov. and Rhodothalassiales ord. nov

Five strains (JA325, JA389, JA473, JA563 and JA582) of Gram stain-negative, vibrioid to spiral shaped, phototrophic purple bacteria were isolated from solar salterns of India. All strains contained bacteriochlorophyll-a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin series as photosynthetic pigments. C_18:1ω7c, C_18:1ω7c 11-methyl and C_16:0 were the major fatty acids of all strains. Diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), ornithine lipid (OL), an unidentified phospholipid (PL), and an unidentified aminolipid (AL) were the major polar lipids of all the strains. According to 16S rRNA gene sequences, all strains clustered phylogenetically with the only species of the genus Rhodothalassium (99.8–99.3% sequence similarity) but only strains JA325 and JA563 were distinctly related (60 + 1.5% DNA–DNA hybridization [DDH]) to the type strain Rhodothalassium salexigens DSM 2132^T. However, the genotypic data of strains JA325 and JA563 was not supported because of a large number of phenotypic differences compared to the type strain, therefore, it is proposed that all five newly isolated strains were R. salexigens-like strains. In addition, phylogenetically, the Rhodothalassium clade represented a distinct lineage and formed a deep branch with less than 90% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to other orders of the Alphaproteobacteria, and characteristic phenotypic properties also distinguished these bacteria from other purple non-sulfur bacteria. Therefore, the novel family Rhodothalassiaceae fam. nov. and the novel order Rhodothalassiales ord. nov. are proposed for the distinct phyletic line represented by the genus Rhodothalassium.