Tepidimonas thermarum sp. nov., a new slightly thermophilic betaproteobacterium isolated from the Elisenquelle in Aachen and emended description of the genus Tepidimonas

Several non-pigmented bacterial isolates, with an optimum growth temperature of about 50-55 degrees C, were recovered from the Elisenquelle at Aachen, Germany. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strains AA-1(T) and AA-2 indicated that these organisms represent a new species of the genus Tepidimonas. The major fatty acids of strains AA-1(T) and AA-2 are 16:0 and 16:1 omega7c. Ubiquinone 8 is the major respiratory quinone, the major polar lipids are phosphotidylethanolamine and phosphotidylglycerol. The new isolates are aerobic; thiosulfate is oxidized to sulfate in the presence of a metabolizable carbon source. The organism assimilated organic acids and amino acids, but did not assimilate carbohydrates or polyols. On the basis of the phylogenetic analyses, physiological and biochemical characteristics, we propose that strains AA-1(T) (=LMG 23094(T); =CIP 108777(T)) and AA-2 (=LMG 23095; =CIP 108778) represents a new species for which we recommend the name Tepidimonas thermarum.     

Defluviimonas denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov., and Pararhodobacter aggregans gen. nov., sp. nov., non-phototrophic Rhodobacteraceae from the biofilter of a marine aquaculture

Three Gram-negative bacterial strains were isolated from the biofilter of a recirculating marine aquaculture. They were non-pigmented rods, mesophiles, moderately halophilic, and showed chemo-organoheterotrophic growth on various sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids, with oxygen as electron acceptor; strains D9-3^T and D11-58 were in addition able to denitrify. Phototrophic or fermentative growth could not be demonstrated. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences placed D9-3^T and D11-58, and D1-19^T on two distinct branches within the alpha-3 proteobacterial Rhodobacteraceae, affiliated with, but clearly separate from, the genera Rhodobacter, Rhodovulum, and Rhodobaca. Based on morphological, physiological, and 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic characteristics, the isolated strains are proposed as new species of two novel genera, Defluviimonas denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain D9-3^T = DSM 18921^T = ATCC BAA-1447^T; additional strain D11-58 = DSM19039 = ATCC BAA-1448) and Pararhodobacter aggregans gen. nov., sp. nov (type strain D1-19^T = DSM 18938^T = ATCC BAA-1446^T).     

Teichococcus ludipueritiae gen. nov. sp. nov., and Muricoccus roseus gen. nov. sp. nov. representing two new genera of the alpha-1 subclass of the Proteobacteria

Two bacterial isolates (170/96T and 173/96T) were recovered from the indoor building materials of a children's day care center. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequences of both isolates indicated they both represent new lineages in the alpha-1-subclass of the Proteobacteria, with the highest sequence similarities of 93.7% and 93.6%, respectively to the type strain of Paracraurococcus ruber. When directly compared both isolates showed a 93.4% sequence similarity of their 16S rRNAs. The major respiratory quinone in both strains was a ubiquinone with 10 isoprenoid units and the major whole cell fatty acid of both strains was 18:1 omega7c. Both isolates also contained 18:1 2-OH and other fatty acids typical for members of the alpha-1 subclass of the Proteobacteria. Both strains were heterotrophic and strictly aerobic and formed slightly red-colored colonies on tryptone soy agar. Bacteriochlorophyll a could not be detected by direct spectrophotometric analyses of aerobically grown cells. On the basis of the phylogenetic analyses, physiological and biochemical characteristics, we propose that strains 170/96T and 173/96T represent two new genera and new species of the alpha-1 subclass of the Proteobacteria for which we propose the names Teichococcus ludipueritiae gen. nov. sp. nov., and Muricoccus roseus gen. nov. sp. nov., respectively.     

Description of Gibbsiella quercinecans gen. nov., sp. nov., associated with Acute Oak Decline

Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterial strains were consistently isolated from oak trees displaying symptoms of extensive stem bleeding. In Britain, this disorder is called Acute Oak Decline (AOD). A similar condition has been noted on species of Mediterranean oak in Spain. The identity of bacterial isolates from symptomatic trees in both countries was investigated using molecular techniques and phenotypic assays. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the strains were most closely related to the genera Serratia, Kluyvera, Klebsiella and Raoultella (all>97%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains formed a distinct lineage within the family Enterobacteriaceae, which was confirmed by both gyrB- and rpoB-gene sequencing. DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed that the strains belonged to a single taxon which could also be differentiated phenotypically from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The phylogenetic and phenotypic data both demonstrated that the strains isolated from oak represented a novel genus and species within the family Enterobacteriaceae for which the name Gibbsiella quercinecans gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain=FRB 97(T)=LMG 25500(T)=NCPPB 4470(T)) is proposed.     

Herminiimonas fonticola gen. nov., sp. nov., a Betaproteobacterium isolated from a source of bottled mineral water

Several yellowish-pigmented bacteria with an optimum growth temperature of about 30 degrees C, were recovered from the source (borehole) of bottled mineral water in the Serra da Estrela in Eastern Portugal. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strains S-94T , S-97, S-99 and S-92 indicated that these organisms represent a new species of the Betaproteobacteria that is not closely related to any other known species. The major fatty acids of the strains are 16:1 omega7c and 16:0. Ubiquinone 8 is the major respiratory quinone. The new isolates are strictly organotrophic and aerobic. The new strains only assimilated organic acids, glycine and alanine. Casamino acids and a mixture of all natural amino acids are not used as sole carbon and nitrogen sources; these are used as nitrogen source in the presence of organic acids. On the basis of the phylogenetic analyses, physiological and biochemical characteristics, we are of the opinion that strains S-94T, S-97, S-99 and S-92 represent a new species of a novel genus for which we propose the name Herminiimonas fonticola gen. nov., sp. nov.     

Gaiella occulta gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel representative of a deep branching phylogenetic lineage within the class Actinobacteria and proposal of Gaiellaceae fam. nov. and Gaiellales ord. nov

Two isolates, with an optimum growth temperature of about 35-37 °C and an optimum pH for growth between 6.5 and 7.5, were recovered from a deep mineral water aquifer in Portugal. Strains form rod-shaped cells and were non-motile. These strains were non-pigmented, strictly aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive. Strains F2-233^T and F2-223 assimilated carbohydrates, organic acids and amino acids. Major fatty acids were novel iso internally branched such as 17:0 iso 10-methyl, 17:0 iso and 15:0 iso 8-methyl. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and menaquinone MK-7 was the major respiratory quinone. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene shows the strains to cluster with species of the genera Thermoleophilum, Patulibacter, Conexibacter and Solirubrobacter to which they have pairwise sequence similarity in the range 87-88%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, physiological and biochemical characteristics we describe a new species of a novel genus represented by strain F2-233^T (=CECT 7815^T = LMG 26412^T) for which we propose the name Gaiella occulta gen. nov., sp. nov. We also propose that this organism represents a novel family named Gaiellaceae fam. nov. of a novel order named Gaiellales ord. nov.     

Erythrobacter vulgaris sp. nov., a novel organism isolated from the marine invertebrates

Four yellow-pigmented, gram-negative, chemoorganotrophic aerobic bacteria were isolated from starfish Stellaster equestris (strains 022-2-10T, 022-2-9, and 022-2-12) and soft coral (unidentified species) (strain 022-4-7) collected in the South China Sea. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based analyses of the new organisms revealed that Erythrobacter spp. were the closest relatives and shared the highest similarity of 98.7% to E. citreus, 98.5% to E. flavus, 97.9% to E. litoralis and 97.6% to E. longus. The novel organisms were tolerant to 3-6% NaCl, grew between 10 degrees C and 40 degrees C, and were not able to degrade gelatin, casein, and agar, while degraded Tween 80. Two strains (022-2-9 and 022-2-12) could weakly degrade starch. All strains produced a large pool of carotenoids and did not have Bacteriochlorophyll a. Phosphatidylethanolamine (30-36%), phosphatidylglycerol (39-46%), and phosphatidylcholine (21-27%) were the predominant phospholipids. Sphingoglycolipid was not detected. The major fatty acids were 16:0 (6-11%), 16:1omega7 (12-15%), and 18:1omega7 (46-49%). The two-hydroxy fatty acids, 13:0-2OH, 14:0-2OH, 15:0-2OH, 16:0-2OH were also present. The G + C content of the DNAs ranged from 61 to 62 mol%. The level of DNA similarity among four strains was conspecific and ranged from 94% to 98%. Even though new strains and other species of the genus had rather high level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed only 33-39% of binding with the DNA of the type strains. On the basis of these results and the significant differences demonstrated in the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is suggested that the new organisms be classified as a novel species; the name Erythrobacter vulgaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 022-2-10T (= KMM 3465T = CIP 107841T).     

Enhygromyxa salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a slightly halophilic myxobacterium isolated from the coastal areas of Japan

Six isolates of novel marine myxobacteria, designated strains SHK-1T, SMK-1-1, SMK-1-3, SMK-10, SKK-2, and SMP-6, were obtained from various coastal samples (mud, sands and algae) collected around Japan. All of the isolates had Gram-negative rod-shaped cells, motile by gliding and grew aerobically. They showed bacteriolytic action, fruiting body formation, and NaCl requirement for growth with an optimum concentration of 1.0-2.0% (w/v). In addition, divalent cationic components of seawater, such as Mg2+ or Ca2+, were also needed for growth. The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. The G+C content of genomic DNA ranged from 65.6 to 67.4 mol% (by HPLC). The isolates shared almost identical 16S rDNA sequences, and clustered with a recently described marine myxobacterium, Plesiocystis pacifica, as their closest relative on a phylogenetic tree (95.9-96.0% similarity). Physiological and chemotaxonomic differences between the new strains and strains of the genus Plesiocystis justify the proposal of a new genus. Therefore, we propose to classify the six isolates into a new taxon of marine myxobacteria with the name, Enhygromyxa salina gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is SHK-1(T) (JCM 11769(T) = DSM 15217(T) = AJ 110011(T)).     

Hymenobacter perfusus sp. nov., Hymenobacter flocculans sp. nov. and Hymenobacter metalli sp. nov. three new species isolated from an uranium mine waste water treatment system

Three red-pink pigmented strains, designated A1-12(T), A2-50A(T) and A2-91(T), were recovered from two different sites in a uranium mine. For all strains, the optimum growth temperature was 25°C, the optimum pH was 6.0-6.5 and the DNA G+C contents were between 60 and 63.4 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7) and the fatty acid profiles contained iso- and anteiso-branched C15 fatty acids, summed feature 3 (16:1 ω6c and/or ω7c and/or 15:0 iso 2-OH), summed feature 4 (17:1 anteiso B and/or iso I) and the unsaturated fatty acid 16:1 ω5c as the major components. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these organisms represented three distinct branches within the family Flexibacteraceae most closely related to the members of the genus Hymenobacter. Strain A1-12(T) formed a distinct phylogenetic line along with H. rigui KCTC 12533(T) and they shared approximately 98.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. However, these two strains shared only 14.7% pairwise similarity in their genomic DNA. Strains A2-50A(T) and A2-91(T) formed two distinct lineages, related to the species H. soli KCTC 12607(T), sharing about 95.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between themselves, and 88.3 and 92.0% with other members of the genus Hymenobacter. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical characteristics, these isolates were considered to represent three novel species for which we propose the names Hymenobacter perfusus for strain A1-12(T) (=CIP 110166=LMG 26000), Hymenobacter flocculans for strain A2-50A(T) (=CIP 110139=LMG 25699) and Hymenobacter metalli for strain A2-91(T) (=CIP 110140=LMG 25700).     

Characterization of Exiguobacterium isolates from the Siberian permafrost. Description of Exiguobacterium sibiricum sp. nov.

Three Gram-positive bacterial strains, 7-3, 255-15 and 190-11, previously isolated from Siberian permafrost, were characterized and taxonomically classified. These microorganisms are rod-shaped, facultative aerobic, motile with peritrichous flagella and their growth ranges are from -2.5 to 40 degrees C. The chemotaxonomic markers indicated that the three strains belong to the genus Exiguobacterium. Their peptidoglycan type was A3alpha L-Lys-Gly. The predominant menaquinone detected in all three strains was MK7. The polar lipids present were phosphatidyl-glycerol, diphosphatidyl-glycerol and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine. The major fatty acids were iso-C13:0, anteiso-C13:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0 and iso-C17:0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and six diverse genes, gyrB (gyrase subunit B), rpoB (DNA-directed RNA polymerase beta subunit), recA (homologous recombination), csp (cold shock protein), hsp70 (ClassI-heat shock protein-chaperonin) and citC (isocitrate dehydrogenase), indicated that the strains were closely related to Exiguobacterium undae (DSM 14481(T)) and Exiguobacterium antarcticum (DSM 14480(T)). On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and DNA-DNA reassociation data, strain 190-11 was classified as E. undae, while the other two isolates, 7-3 and 255-15, comprise a novel species, for which the name Exiguobacterium sibiricum sp. nov. is proposed.     

Rubrimonas shengliensis sp. nov. and Polymorphum gilvum gen. nov., sp. nov., novel members of Alphaproteobacteria from crude oil contaminated saline soil

Four bacterial strains were isolated from a crude oil contaminated saline soil in Shengli Oilfield, China. Strains SL014B-28A2^T and SL014B-80A1 were most closely related to Rubrimonas cliftonensis OCh 317^T, while strains SL003B-26A1^T and SL003B-26A2 were most closely related to but readily different from the species in the Pannonibacter-Labrenzia-Roseibium-Stappia cluster. The major fatty acids were C_18:1ω7c, C_16:0, C_18:0 and 11-Methyl C_18:1ω7c, and C_18:1ω7c, 11-Methyl C_18:1ω7c and C_18:0, respectively, for these two groups of isolates. Q-10 was the predominant ubiquinone. The G + C contents of genomic DNA of the four isolates were 67.9, 69.7, 65.6 and 65.6 mol%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic characteristics, strains SL014B-28A2^T and SL014B-80A1 represented a novel species of the genus Rubrimonas, for which the name Rubrimonas shengliensis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain SL014B-28A2^T (=LMG 26072^T = CGMCC 1.9170^T) as the type strain. Isolates SL003B-26A1^T and SL003B-26A2 represented a novel genus and species of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Polymorphum gilvum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with strain SL003B-26A1^T (=LMG 25793^T = CGMCC 1.9160^T) as the type strain.     

Thermosediminibacter oceani gen. nov., sp. nov. and Thermosediminibacter litoriperuensis sp. nov., new anaerobic thermophilic bacteria isolated from Peru Margin

A new group of anaerobic thermophilic bacteria was isolated from enrichment cultures obtained from deep sea sediments of Peru Margin collected during Leg 201 of the Ocean Drilling Program. A total of ten isolates were obtained from cores of 1–2 m below seafloor (mbsf) incubated at 60°C: three isolates came from the sediment 426 m below sea level with a surface temperature of 9°C (Site 1227), one from 252 m below sea level with a temperature of 12°C (Site 1228), and six isolates under sulfate-reducing condition from the lower slope of the Peru Trench (Site 1230). Strain JW/IW-1228P from the Site 1228 and strain JW/YJL-1230-7/2 from the Site 1230 were chosen as representatives of the two identified clades. Based on the 16S rDNA sequence analysis, these isolates represent a novel group with Thermovenabulum and Caldanaerobacter as their closest relatives. The temperature range for growth was 52–76°C with an optimum at around 68°C for JW/IW-1228P and 43–76°C with an optimum at around 64°C for JW/YJL-1230-7/2. The pH^25C range for growth was from 6.3 to 9.3 with an optimum at 7.5 for JW/IW-1228P and from 5 to 9.5 with an optimum at 7.9–8.4 for JW/YJL-1230-7/2. The salinity range for growth was from 0% to 6% (w/v) for JW/IW-1228P and from 0% to 4.5% (w/v) for JW/YJL-1230-7/2. The G+C content of the DNA was 50 mol% for both JW/IW-1228P and JW/YJL-1230-7/2. DNA–DNA hybridization yielded 52% similarity between the two strains. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates are located within the family, Thermoanaerobacteriaceae. Based on their morphological and physiological properties and phylogenetic analysis, it is proposed that strain JW/IW-1228P^T is placed into a novel taxa, Thermosediminibacter oceani, gen. nov., sp. nov. (DSM 16646^T=ATCC BAA-1034^T), and JW/YJL-1230-7/2^T into Thermosediminibacter litoriperuensis sp. nov. (DSM 16647^T =ATCC BAA-1035^T).An erratum to this article can be found at     

Chimaereicella alkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov., a Gram-negative alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a nonsaline alkaline groundwater

A Gram-negative bacterium designated AC-74(T) was isolated from a highly alkaline groundwater environment (pH 11.4). This organism formed rod-shaped cells, is strictly aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, tolerates up to 3.0% NaCl, has an optimum growth temperature of 30 degrees C, but no growth occurs at 10 or 40 degrees C, and an optimum pH value of 8.0, but no growth occurs at pH 7.0 or 11.3. The predominant fatty acids are iso-15:0, iso-17:1 omega9c and 16:1 omega7c and or iso-15:2OH. The G+C content of DNA was 43.5mol%. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of the 16s RNA genes indicated that strain AC-74(T) belongs to the family "Flexibacteriaceae" and is phylogenetically equidistant ( approximately 94.5%) from the majority of the species of the genus Algoriphagus and from the genus Hongiella. Based on the phylogenetic analyses and distinct phenotypic characteristics, we are of the opinion that strain AC-74(T), represents a new species of the novel genus for which we propose the name Chimaereicella alkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov.     

Natronolimnobius baerhuensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Natronolimnobius innermongolicus sp. nov., novel haloalkaliphilic archaea isolated from soda lakes in Inner Mongolia, China

Three novel isolates of haloalkaliphilic archaea, strains IHC-005^T, IHC-010, and N-1311^T, from soda lakes in Inner Mongolia, China, were characterized to elucidate their taxonomic positions. The three strains were aerobic, Gram-negative chemoorganotrophs growing optimally at 37–45°C, pH 9.0–9.5, and 15–20% NaCl. Cells of strains IHC-005^T/IHC-010 were motile rods, while those of strain N-1311^T were non-motile pleomorphic flats or cocci. The three strains contained diphytanyl and phytanyl-sesterterpanyl diether derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerophosphate methyl ester. No glycolipids were detected. On phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, they formed an independent cluster in the Natro group of the family Halobacteriaceae. Comparison of their morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties, DNA G+C content and 16S rRNA gene sequences, and DNA-DNA hybridization study support the view that strains IHC-005^T/IHC-010 and strain N-1311^T represent separate species. Therefore, we propose Natronolimnobius baerhuensis gen. nov., sp. nov. for strains IHC-005^T (=CGMCC 1.3597^T =JCM 12253^T)/IHC-010 (=CGMCC 1.3598=JCM 12254) and Natronolimnobius innermongolicus sp. nov. for N-1311^T (=CGMCC 1.2124^T =JCM 12255^T).     

Rhizobium nepotum sp. nov. isolated from tumors on different plant species

Five Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria were isolated from galls on different plant species in Hungary: strain 39/7(T) from Prunus cerasifera Myrobalan, strain 0 from grapevine var. Ezerjó, strain 7/1 from raspberry var. Findus and in Poland, strain C3.4.1 from Colt rootstock (Prunus avium × Prunus pseudocerasus) and strain CP17.2.2 from Prunus avium. Only one of these isolates, strain 0, is able to cause crown gall on different plant species. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the strains cluster together and belong to the genus Rhizobium and their closest relative is Rhizobium radiobacter (99.1%). Phylogenetic analysis of the novel strains using housekeeping genes atpD, glnA, gyrB, recA and rpoB revealed their distinct position separate from other known Rhizobium species and confirmed their relation to Rhizobium radiobacter. The major cellular fatty acids are 18:1 w7c, 16:0, 16:0 3OH, summed feature 2 (comprising 12:0 aldehyde, 16:1 iso I and/or 14:0 3OH) and summed feature 3 (comprising 16:1 w7c and/or 15 iso 2OH). DNA-DNA hybridization of strain 39/7(T) with the type strain of R. radiobacter LMG 140(T) revealed 45% DNA-DNA hybridization. Phenotypic and physiological properties differentiate the novel isolates from other closely related species. On the basis of the results obtained, the five isolates are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Rhizobium, for which the name Rhizobium nepotum sp. nov. (type strain 39/7(T)=LMG 26435(T)=CFBP 7436(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.     

Cryptoendolithic actinomycetes from antarctic sandstone rock samples: Micromonospora endolithica sp. nov. and two isolates related to Micromonospora coerulea Jensen 1932

Three cryptoendolithic, aerobic actinomycetes (AA-459T, AA-319 and AA-321) from antarctic sandstone were characterised phenotypically and by molecular taxonomic methods. The isolates had single spores on substrate mycelium, meso-diaminopimelic acid (m-DAP) and glycine (cell wall type II), a whole cell sugar pattern D (galactose, xylose, arabinose, glucose or rhamnose) and phospholipids of type PII (diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol). Their predominant fatty acids were iso-16:0 and iso-15:0 or 17:1omega8c, the menaquinone profile was complex with mainly MK10 (H4) and MK10 (H6). A wide variety of sugars and several acids were utilised for growth. The isolates were sensitive to a few antibiotics, but formation and excretion of antibiotics was not observed. Phenotypically, isolates AA-319 and AA-321 were similar. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed close relationship of strains AA-319 and AA-321 with each other (99.5%) and clustering (98.5%) with Micromonospora coerulea DSM 43143T. DNA-DNA hybridisation showed both strains to be genomically highly similar to strain DSM 43143T. Phenotypically they could be viewed as separate taxa, but presently they will be considered as strains of Micromonospora coerulea. Strain AA-459T was phylogenetically close to Micromonospora chersina DSM 44151T (99.1%) and to Micromonospora rosaria DSM 803T, but DNA-DNA similarity with M. chersina DSM 44151T was low with 28.9/33.5 %, indicating the presence of a different and new species. Consequently, isolate AA-459T (DSM 44398T NRRL B-24248T) is described as the type strain of Micromonospora endolithica sp. nov.     

Legionella impletisoli sp. nov. and Legionella yabuuchiae sp. nov., isolated from soils contaminated with industrial wastes in Japan

In this study, we tried to isolate legionellae from nine Legionella DNA-positive soil samples collected from four different sites contaminated with industrial wastes in Japan. Using culture methods with or without Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, a total of 22 isolates of legionellae were obtained from five of the nine samples. Identification of species and/or serogroups (SGs), performed by DNA-DNA hybridization and agglutination tests, revealed that the 22 isolates consisted of ten isolates of Legionella pneumophila including five SGs, five Legionella feeleii, and one each of Legionella dumoffii, Legionella longbeachae, and Legionella jamestownensis. The species of the remaining four isolates (strains OA1-1, -2, -3, and -4) could not be determined, suggesting that these isolates may belong to new species. The 16S rDNA sequences (1476-1488bp) of the isolates had similarities of less than 95.0% compared to other Legionella species. A phylogenetic tree created by analysis of the 16S rRNA (1270bp) genes demonstrated that the isolates formed distinct clusters within the genus Legionella. Quantitative DNA-DNA hybridization tests on the OA1 strains indicated that OA1-1 should be categorized as a new taxon, whereas OA1-2, -3, and -4 were also genetically independent in another taxon. Based on the evaluated phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, it is proposed that one of these isolates from the soils, OA1-1, be classified as a novel species, Legionella impletisoli sp. nov.; the type strain is strain OA1-1(T) (=JCM 13919(T)=DSMZ 18493(T)). The remaining three isolates belong to another novel Legionella species, Legionella yabuuchiae sp. nov.; the type strain is strain OA1-2(T) (=JCM 14148(T)=DSMZ 18492(T)). This is the first report on the isolation of legionellae from soils contaminated with industrial wastes.     

Chryseobacterium oncorhynchi sp. nov., isolated from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Genotypic and phenotypic analyses were performed on five Gram-negative, catalase and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from the gill and liver of four rainbow trout. Studies based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the five new isolates shared 99.8-100% sequence similarity and that they belong to the genus Chryseobacterium. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours of the strain 701B-08(T) were Chryseobacterium ureilyticum F-Fue-04IIIaaaa(T) (99.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Chryseobacterium joosteii LMG 18212(T) (98.6%). DNA-DNA hybridization values between the five isolates were 91-99% and ranged from 2 to 53% between strain 701B-08(T) and the type strains of phylogenetically closely related species of Chryseobacterium. Strain 701B-08(T) had a DNA G+C content of 36.3 mol%, the major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:1)ω9c, C(16:1)ω6c and iso-C(17:0) 3-OH and the predominant respiratory quinone was MK-6. The novel isolates were distinguished from related Chryseobacterium species by physiological and biochemical tests. The genotypic and phenotypic properties of the isolates from rainbow trout suggest their classification as representatives of a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium oncorhynchi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 701B-08(T) (=CECT 7794(T)=CCUG 60105(T)).     

<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