<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubribacterium polymorphum</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel alkaliphilic nonsulfur purple bacterium from an Eastern Siberian soda lake

An alkaliphilic nonsulfur purple bacterial (NPB) strain “Green” was isolated from sediments of the littoral zone of the soda lake (mineralization 22 g/l, pH 9.5) in the Barguzin River valley (Eastern Siberia). The cells of the new isolate are ovoid or polymorphic at latter stages. The photosynthetic membrane structures are of vesicular type. Bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of both spheroidene and spirilloxanthin type are the photosynthetic pigments. Two light-harvesting systems (LH1 and LH2) are present. The new isolate is a photoheterotroph and a facultative aerobe. It grows well in the dark on organic substrates; anaerobic phototrophic growth is poor. The isolate is alkaliphilic with pH optimum of 8.5–9.5. The most abundant cell growth occurred at 5–40 g/l NaCl (optimum at 10 g/l) and 30 °C. The DNA G+C base content was 69.9 mol %. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a 10% difference with the most closely related NPB (Rhodobacter species). Rubrimonas cliftoensis, a bacteriochlorophyll a-containing bacterium, is the closest relative (93.3% similarity). It is proposed that strain “Green” should be placed in the new genus and new species Rubribacterium polymorphum gen. nov., sp. nov. GenBank accession number: 16S rRNA-EU857676.     

一个产木质素酶的嗜碱细菌新种

从内蒙古盐碱湖分离到一株产木质素酶的嗜盐碱菌F10。其形态为杆状或短杆状 ,革兰氏染色阳性 ,最适生长pH为 9 5 ,最适生长温度为 37℃。通过生理生化特征、胞壁氨基酸成分、基于 16SrDNA序列的系统发育学分析和DNA DNA杂交同源性比较发现菌株F10是双芽孢杆菌 (Amphibacillus)属中一个与其它成员不同的新种 ,命名为好纪双芽孢杆菌Amphibacillushaojiensissp .nov .     

Heliobacterium modesticaldum,sp. nov., a thermophilic heliobacterium of hot springs and volcanic soils

Enrichment cultures for heliobacteria at 50°C yielded several strains of a thermophilic heliobacterium species from Yellowstone hot spring microbial mats and volcanic soils from Iceland. The novel organisms grew optimally above 50°C, contained bacteriochlorophyll g, and lacked intracytoplasmic membranes. All isolates were strict anaerobes and grew best as photoheterotrophs, although chemotrophic dark growth on pyruvate was also possible. These thermophilic heliobacteria were diazotrophic and fixed N₂ up to their growth temperature limit of 56°C. Phylogenetic studies showed the new isolates to be specific relatives of Heliobacterium gestii and, as has been found in H. gestii, they produce heat-resistant endospores. The unique assemblage of properties found in these thermophilic heliobacteria implicate them as a new species of this group, and we describe them herein as a new species of the genus Heliobacterium, Heliobacterium modesticaldum.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acidiferrobacter thiooxydans</Emphasis>, gen. nov. sp. nov.; an acidophilic,thermo-tolerant,facultatively anaerobic iron- and sulfur-oxidizer of the family <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ectothiorhodospiraceae</Emphasis>

A comprehensive physiological and phylogenetic characterisation was carried out of “Thiobacillus ferrooxidans” m-1, an acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacterium first described over 25 years ago. Phylogenetically, strain m-1 is a gammaproteobacterium, most closely related to alkaliphilic Ectothiorhodospira spp. and only distantly to iron-oxidizing acidithiobacilli. Physiological examination confirmed that strain m-1 can grow autotrophically not only by ferrous iron oxidation but also, in contrast to previous reports, by oxidation of elemental sulfur, sulfide and tetrathionate, using either oxygen or ferric iron as terminal electron acceptor. The bacterium was also found to be thermo-tolerant, growing optimally at 38°C and up to a maximum of 47°C. Growth in liquid media required an external osmotic potential of >2 bar, and was optimal at ~5 bar, though no growth occurred where the medium osmotic potential was close to that of sea water (~26 bar). From this, it was concluded that strain m-1 is a moderate osmophile. Strain m-1 was also shown to be diazotrophic and tolerant of elevated concentrations of many metals typically found in mine-impacted environments. On the basis of these data, m-1 is proposed as the type strain of a new genus and species of bacteria, Acidiferrobacter thiooxydans (DSM 2392, JCM 17358).     

Stetteria hydrogenophila, gen. nov. and sp. nov., a novel mixotrophic sulfur-dependent crenarchaeote isolated from Milos, Greece

A new hyperthermophilic, strictly anaerobic crenarchaeote, Stetteria hydrogenophila DSM11227 representing a new genus within the family of Desulfurococcaceae, was isolated from the sediment of a marine hydrothermal system at Paleohori Bay in Milos, Greece. Cells are gram-negative irregular and disc-shaped cocci, 0.5–1.5 μm in diameter, which are flagellate and can form cytoplasmatic protrusions up to 2 μm in length. The strain grew optimally at 95°C at pH 6.0 and at a NaCl concentration of 3%. The organism grew mixotrophically on peptide substrates. It required elemental sulfur as an external electron acceptor, and in addition, its growth was completely dependent on the presence of molecular hydrogen. Sulfur could be replaced by thiosulfate. H₂S, CO₂, acetate, and ethanol were identified as products of metabolism. The G + C content of DNA was 65 mol%. Analysis of its phylogenetic position by sequence analysis of 16S rRNA placed this organism in the family of Desulfurococcaceae. The dependence of this organism on both hydrogen and sulfur during growth on peptide substrates distinguishes Stetteria from all previously described species of Crenarchaeota. Received: September 4, 1996 / Accepted: November 12, 1996     

Halomonas magadii sp. nov., a new member of the genus Halomonas, isolated from a soda lake of the East African Rift Valley

A number of novel alkaliphilic organotrophic bacteria have been isolated from several saline and alkaline East African soda lakes. The new isolates grow at pH values between 7.0 and 11.0, with pH optima for growth between 9.0 and 10.0. Growth occurs at total salts concentration between 0% and 20% (w/v) with optimum at 0%–7% (w/v). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA sequence comparison indicate that these isolates are related (>96% similarity) to members of the Halomonadaceae within the γ-3 subdivision of the Proteobacteria. These analyses indicate that existing species within the Halomonadaceae fell within three main groups, one group comprising the type species of Halomonas, Halomonas elongata, and a number of other known species including one soda lake isolate. A second group constituting most of the remaining known species of Halomonas and related Chromohalobacter spp. includes 3 soda lake isolates with high DNA–DNA homologies. The third group included Halomonas halodenitrificans, Halomonas desiderata, Halomonas cupida, and 13 soda lake isolates. Phenotypic comparisons indicated that the majority of soda lake strains shared similar morphological, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic properties to known strains of Halomonas but grew under alkaline conditions. The 3 soda lake isolates with high DNA–DNA homologies were, however, significantly different in antibiotic sensitivity pattern and in the utilization of several substrates, were unable to reduce nitrite, and showed low DNA–DNA homologies with known halomonads in the same group. We propose that these isolates comprise a new species of the genus Halomonas that we name Halomonas magadii sp. nov. The type strain is strain 21 MI (NCIMB 13595). Received: July 20, 1999 / Accepted: October 29, 1999     

Heliorestis convoluta sp. nov., a coiled, alkaliphilic heliobacterium from the Wadi El Natroun, Egypt

A morphologically distinct heliobacterium, strain HH, was isolated from Lake El Hamra, a soda lake in the Wadi El Natroun region of northwest Egypt. Strain HH consisted of ring-shaped cells that remained attached after cell division to yield coils of various lengths. Strain HH showed several of the physiological properties of known heliobacteria and grouped in the Heliorestis clade by virtue of its phylogeny and alkaliphily. The closest relative of strain HH was the filamentous alkaliphilic heliobacterium Heliorestis daurensis. However, genomic DNA:DNA hybridization results clearly indicated that strain HH was a distinct species of Heliorestis. Based on its unique phenotypic and genetic properties we describe strain HH here as a new species of the genus Heliorestis, H. convoluta sp. nov.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Norbert Pfennig on the occasion of his 80th birthday.     

Tindallia magadii gen. nov., sp. nov.: An Alkaliphilic Anaerobic Ammonifier from Soda Lake Deposits

Strain Z-7934, an alkaliphilic, obligately anaerobic, fermentative, asporogenous bacterium with Gram-positive cell wall structure, was isolated from soda deposits in Lake Magadi, Kenya. The organism ferments only a few amino acids, preferentially arginine and ornithine, with production of acetate, propionate, and ammonia. It is a true alkaliphile, with pH range for growth ranging from 7.5 to 10.5 (optimum pH 8.5), and growth is dependent on the presence of sodium ions. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 37.6 mol%. 16S rDNA sequence analysis of strain Z-7934 shows that it belongs phylogenetically to cluster XI of the low G+C Gram-positive bacteria. On the basis of its distinct phylogenetic position and unique physiological properties, we propose a new genus and new species, Tindallia magadii, for this strain. The type strain is Z-7934^T (=DSM 10318). Received: 5 January 1998 / Accepted: 5 February 1998     

Characterization of Methanosarcina mazei N2M9705 Isolated from an Aquaculture Fishpond

A new methanogenic isolate, designated as strain N2M9705 (=OCM 668), was isolated from an aquaculture fishpond near Wang-gong, Taiwan. This strain grew on trimethylamine and methanol, but it did not catabolize H₂-CO₂, acetate, or formate. The cells were stained Gram-negative, nonmotile, irregular coccus 0.6–0.8 μm in diameter. Gas vacuoles were observed and cell aggregated to form various sizes of granules. Cells grew optimally at 32°–37°C with 1% NaCl. The pH range of growth was 6.2–7.4, and higher pH inhibited the cell growth. The cells grew well in minimal medium, but growth was greatly stimulated by yeast extract and peptone. A comparison of 16S rDNA sequences of this organism phylogenetically related to Methanosarcina mazei. This is the first report of methyltrophic methanogenic isolated from an aquaculture fishpond. Received: 16 March 1999 / Accepted: 16 April 1999     

Salinicoccus salitudinis sp. nov., a new moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a saline soil sample

A novel pale-yellow-pigmented, moderately halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic Gram-positive coccus, strain YIM-C678^T was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from a hypersaline habitat in the Qaidam basin, northwest China. The organism grew at 4–37°C and pH 6.0–11.0, with optimum growth at 25°C and pH 8.0. Strain YIM-C678^T grew optimally in the presence of 10–12% (w/v) NaCl and growth was observed in 1–25% (w/v) NaCl. The cell wall murein type was l-Lys-Gly₅. Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:0, iso-C_16:0 and C_16:0. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G + C content was 46.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain YIM-C678^T belonged to the family Staphylococcaceae and was most closely related to the eight described species of the genus Salinicoccus with sequence similarities from 92.2 (S. luteus YIM 70202^T) to 97.5% (S. kunmingensis YIM Y15^T). The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YIM-C678^T and S. kunmingensis YIM Y15^T was 35.4%. Chemotaxonomic data and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis supported the affiliation of strain YIM-C678^T with the genus Salinicoccus. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the view that the bacterium represents a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus, for which the name Salinicoccus salitudinis sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM-C678^T (=DSM 17846 = CGMCC 1.6299) as the type strain.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Scopulibacillus darangshiensis</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from rock

A novel, Gram-positive bacterium, designated DLS-06^T, was isolated from scoria (volcanic ash) under rock on the peak of small mountain (300 m above the sea level; known as Darangshi Oreum) in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The cells of the isolate were aerobic, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, endospore-forming, non-motile rods. The organism grew at 25∼30°C and initial pH 6.1∼9.1. A neighbour-joining tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the organism was related to members of the family “Sporolactobacillaceae” and related taxa. The phylogenetic neighbours were Pullulanibacillus naganoensis (95.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Tuberibacillus calidus (95.0%) and Sporolactobacillus (91.8∼94.2%). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of the isolate to representatives of other genera were in the range of 87.2∼93.7%. The organism contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown ninhydrin-positive phospholipid, three unknown phospholipids and an unknown lipid. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0 and anteiso-C_17:0. The G+C content of the DNA was 50.8 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data presented in this study, this organism represents a novel genus and species in the order Bacillales, for which the name Scopulibacillus darangshiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DLS-06^T (=DSM 19377^T =KCTC 13161^T).     

Thermococcus waiotapuensis sp. nov., an extremely thermophilic archaeon isolated from a freshwater hot spring

An extremely thermophilic, sulfur-dependent archaeon, strain WT1, was isolated from a freshwater hot spring in the Lake Taupo area of North Island, New Zealand. The cells are flagellated, strictly anaerobic cocci that grow optimally at 85 °C and 5.4 g NaCl l^–1. The strain grows heterotrophically on complex proteinaceous substrates or on appropriate salts plus amino acid mixtures and is also able to utilize maltose, starch, and pyruvate. Elemental sulfur could be replaced by cystine or thioglycollate. The range of temperatures allowing growth is from 60 to 90 °C; the pH supporting growth ranges from 5 to 8 (optimum, pH 7). Strain WT1 grew in a defined medium containing amino acids as the sole carbon and energy sources. The required amino acids were: Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, and Val. Strain WT1 showed sensitivity to rifampicin. DNA G+C content was 50.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence encoding the 16S rRNA gene indicated that this isolate is a member of the Thermococcales. DNA/DNA hybridization studies revealed no similarity to several species of Thermococcus and Pyrococcus, with the exception of Thermococcus zilligii. Based on the reported results, we propose strain WT1 as a new species to be named Thermococcus waiotapuensis sp. nov. Received: 5 January 1999 / Accepted: 19 May 1999     

Haloalkaliphilic spore-forming sulfidogens from soda lake sediments and description of Desulfitispora alkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov.

An anaerobic enrichment with pyruvate as electron donor and thiosulfate at pH 10 and 0.6 M Na⁺ inoculated with pasteurized soda lake sediments resulted in a sulfidogenic coculture of two morphotypes of obligately anaerobic haloalkaliphilic endospore-forming clostridia, which were further isolated in pure culture. Strain AHT16 was a thin long rod able to ferment sugars and pyruvate and to respire H₂, formate and pyruvate using thiosulfate and fumarate as electron acceptors and growing optimally at pH 9.5. Thiosulfate was reduced incompletely to sulfide and sulfite. The strain was closely related (99% sequence similarity) to a peptolytic alkaliphilic clostridium Natronincola peptidovorans. Strain AHT17 was a short rod with a restricted respiratory metabolism, growing with pyruvate and lactate as electron donor and sulfite, thiosulfate and elemental sulfur as electron acceptors with a pH optimum 9.5. Thiosulfate was reduced completely via sulfite to sulfide. The ability of AHT17 to use sulfite explained the stability of the original coculture of the two clostridia—one member forming sulfite from thiosulfate and another consuming it. Strain AHT17 formed an independent deep phylogenetic lineage within the Clostridiales and is proposed as a new genus and species Desulfitisporum alkaliphilum gen. nov., sp. nov. (=DSM 22410^T = UNIQEM U794^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tindallia texcoconensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., a new haloalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from lake Texcoco,Mexico

A new alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic, strictly anaerobic, fermentative bacterium (strain IMP-300^T) was isolated from a groundwater sample in the zone of the former soda lake Texcoco in Mexico. Strain IMP-300^T was Gram-positive, non-sporulated, motile and rod-shaped. It grew within a pH range from 7.5 to 10.5, and an optimum at 9.5. The organism was obligately dependent on the presence of sodium salts. Growth showed an optimum at 35°C with absence of growth above 45°C. It fermented peptone and a few amino acids, preferentially arginine and ornithine, with production of acetate, propionate, and ammonium. Its fatty acid pattern was mainly composed of straight chain saturated, unsaturated, and cyclopropane fatty acids. The G + C content of genomic DNA was 40.0 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the new isolate belongs to the genus Tindallia, in the low G + C Gram-positive phylum. Phylogenetically, strain IMP-300^T has Tindallia californiensis, as closest relative with a 97.5% similarity level between their 16S rDNA gene sequences, but the DNA–DNA re-association value between the two DNAs was only 42.2%. On the basis of differences in genotypic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic characteristics, strain IMP-300^T is proposed as a new species of the genus Tindallia, T. texcoconensis sp. nov. (type strain IMP-300^T = DSM 18041^T = JCM 13990^T).     

Amino acid-assimilating phototrophic heliobacteria from soda lake environments: Heliorestis acidaminivorans sp. nov. and ‘Candidatus Heliomonas lunata’

Two novel taxa of heliobacteria, Heliorestis acidaminivorans sp. nov. strain HR10B(T) and 'Candidatus Heliomonas lunata' strain SLH, were cultured from shoreline sediments/soil of Lake El Hamra (Egypt) and lake water/benthic sediments of Soap Lake (USA), respectively; both are highly alkaline soda lakes. Cells of strain HR10B were straight rods, while cells of strain SLH were curved rods. Both organisms were obligate anaerobes, produced bacteriochlorophyll g, and lacked intracytoplasmic photosynthetic membrane systems. Although the absorption spectrum of strain HR10B was typical of other heliobacteria, that of strain SLH showed unusually strong absorbance of the OH-chlorophyll a component. Major carotenoids of both organisms were OH-diaponeurosporene glucosyl esters, as in other alkaliphilic heliobacteria, and both displayed an alkaliphilic and mesophilic phenotype. Strain HR10B was remarkable among heliobacteria in its capacity to photoassimilate a number of carbon sources, including several amino acids. Nitrogenase activity was observed in strain HR10B, but not in strain SLH. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene tree placed strain HR10B within the genus Heliorestis, but distinct from other described species. By contrast, strain SLH was phylogenetically more closely related to neutrophilic heliobacteria and is the first alkaliphilic heliobacterium known outside of the genus Heliorestis.     

A new facultatively autotrophic hydrogen- and sulfur-oxidizing bacterium from an alkaline environment

An alkaliphilic bacterium, strain AHO 1, was isolated from an enrichment culture with hydrogen at pH 10 inoculated with a composite sample of sediments from five highly alkaline soda lakes (Kenya). This bacterium is a gram-negative, nonmotile, rod-shaped, obligately aerobic, and facultatively autotrophic hydrogen-oxidizing organism. It was able to oxidize reduced sulfur compounds to sulfate during heterotrophic growth. It utilized a wide range of organic compounds as carbon and energy sources and grew mixotrophically with hydrogen and acetate. With sulfur compounds, mixotrophic growth was observed only in acetate-limited continuous culture. The normal pH range for autotrophic growth with hydrogen was pH 8.0–10.25, with a pH optimum at 9–9.5. Growth at pH values lower than 8.0 was extremely slow. Heterotrophic growth with acetate was optimal at pH 10.0. The hydrogen-oxidizing activity of whole cells was maximal at pH 9.0 and still substantial up to pH 11. NAD-dependent hydrogenase activity was found in the soluble fraction of the cell-free extract, but no methylene blue-dependent activity in either the soluble or membrane fractions was observed. On the basis of its pH profile, the soluble hydrogenase of strain AHO 1 was a typical pH-neutral enzyme. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain AHO 1 belongs to the α-3 subgroup of the Proteobacteria with a closest relation to a recently described alkaliphilic aerobic bacteriochlorophyll a-containing bacterium "Roseinatronobacter thiooxidans." Received: February 29, 2000 / Accepted: April 3, 2000     

Desulforhopalus vacuolatus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new moderately psychrophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium with gas vacuoles isolated from a temperate estuary

A new type of gas-vacuolated, sulfate-reducing bacterium was isolated at 10° C from reduced mud (E₀ < 0) obtained from a temperate estuary with thiosulfate and lactate as substrates. The strain was moderately psychrophilic with optimum growth at 18–19° C and a maximum growth temperature of 24° C. Propionate, lactate, and alcohols served as electron donors and carbon sources. The organism grew heterotrophically only with hydrogen as electron donor. Propionate and lactate were incompletely oxidized to acetate; traces of lactate were fermented to propionate, CO₂, and possibly acetate in the presence of sulfate. Pyruvate was utilized both with and without an electron acceptor present. The strain did not contain desulfoviridin. The G+C content was 48.4 mol%. The differences in the 16S rRNA sequence of the isolate compared with that of its closest phylogenetic neighbors, bacteria of the genus Desulfobulbus, support the assignment of the isolate to a new genus. The isolate is described as the type strain of the new species and genus, Desulforhopalus vacuolatus. Received: 4 March 1996 / Accepted: 17 June 1996     

Oceanibacterium hippocampi gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from cutaneous mucus of wild seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus)

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile and slightly curved rod-shaped bacterium (BFLP-8^T) was isolated from cutaneous mucus of wild long-snouted seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus) captured in northwest Spain (Toralla, Galicia). Strain BFLP-8^T grew at 10–35 °C and pH 5–9 (optimally at 25 °C and pH 7.0) and with 1–6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally with 2 % NaCl). The predominant respiratory quinone (90 %) was ubiquinone with ten isoprene units (Q-10) and the major fatty acids identified were C_18:1 ω7c (54.8 % of the total), C_19:0 cyclo ω8c (11.6 %), C_16:0 (9.5 %), C_18:1 2-OH (7.1 %) and C_16:1 ω11c (6.7 %). The G+C content of the DNA was 57.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BFLP-8^T formed a distinct clade within the family Sneathiellaceae but is not specifically associated with any species in the family. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain BFLP-8^T represents a novel species within a new genus, for which the name Oceanibacterium hippocampi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BFLP-8^T (=CECT 7691^T = DSM 23444^T).     

Characterization of Microaerobacter geothermalis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel microaerophilic, nitrate- and nitrite-reducing thermophilic bacterium isolated from a terrestrial hot spring in Tunisia

A novel thermophilic anaerobic and microaerophilic bacterium (optimal growth in the presence of 5–10% O₂), strain Nad S1^T was isolated from the terrestrial hot spring of Hammam Sidi Jdidi, Nabeul, Tunisia. Cells were motile rods having a Gram-positive cell wall structure. Strain Nad S1^T grew optimally at 55°C (range 37–70°C). Optimum pH for growth was 6.5–7.0. It was halotolerant growing with NaCl up to 7% (optimum concentration 1.5–3.0%). It grew chemoorganotrophically on various carbohydrates, organic-acids and amino-acids as energy sources, or chemolithotrophically on H₂ using nitrate, as terminal electron acceptor. Beside oxygen (under microaerobic conditions) and nitrate, nitrite was also used. Nitrate was completely reduced to N₂. No fermentation occurred. The genomic DNA G + C content was 41.8 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Nad S1^T belongs to the Bacillaceae family within the class ‘Bacilli’. Because of its phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose this isolate to be assigned as a novel genus and a novel species within the domain Bacteria, Microaerobacter geothermalis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is Nad S1^T (=DSM 22679^T =JCM 16213^T).     

Rhodobaca bogoriensis gen. nov. and sp. nov., an alkaliphilic purple nonsulfur bacterium from African Rift Valley soda lakes

From enrichment cultures established for purple nonsulfur bacteria using water and sediment samples from Lake Bogoria and Crater Lake, two soda lakes in the African Rift Valley, three strains of purple nonsulfur bacteria were isolated; strain LBB1 was studied in detail. Cells of strain LBB1 were motile and spherical to rod-shaped, suggesting a relationship to Rhodobacter or Rhodovulum species, and the organism was capable of both phototrophic and chemotrophic growth on a wide variety of organic compounds. Phototrophically grown cultures were yellow to yellow-brown in color and grew optimally at pH 9 (pH range 7.5-10) and 1% NaCl (range 0-10%). In physiological studies of strain LBB1, neither photoautotrophy (H2- or sulfide-dependent) nor nitrogen fixation was observed. Absorption spectra revealed that all three strains contained bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spheroidene pathway and synthesized only a light-harvesting (LH) I-type photosynthetic antenna complex. Electron microscopy of cells of strain LBB1 revealed a vesicular intracytoplasmic membrane system, although only a few vesicles were observed per cell. The G+C content of strain LBB1 DNA was 59 mol%, significantly lower than that of known Rhodobacter and Rhodovulum species, and its phylogeny as determined by ribosomal RNA gene sequencing placed it within the Rhodobacter/Rhodovulum clade yet distinct from all described species of either of these genera. The unique assemblage of properties observed in strain LBB1 warrants its inclusion in a new genus of purple nonsulfur bacteria and the name Rhodobaca bogoriensis is proposed herein, the genus name reflecting morphological characteristics and the species epithet referring to the habitat.