<Emphasis Type="Italic">Joostella atrarenae</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel member of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Flavobacteriaceae</Emphasis> originating from the black sea sand of Jeju Island

Strain M1-2^T was isolated from the black sand from the seashore of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea and was classified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain M1-2^T appeared as Gram-negative, motile rods that could grow in the presence of 1–10% (w/v) NaCl and at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37°C. This isolate has catalase and oxidase activity and hydrolyses aesculin, DNA and l-tyrosine. Based on phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain M1-2^T belongs to the genus Joostella and is clearly distinct from the other described species of this genus, Joostella marina (type strain En5^T). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity level between M1-2^T and J. marina En5^T is 97.2%, and the DNA–DNA relatedness value between the two strains is 23.9%. Strain M1-2^T contains MK-6 as the major menaquinone and iso-C_15:0, summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c and/or iso-C_15:0 2OH) and iso-C_17:0 3OH as major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G + C content is 32.3 mol%. These data suggest that strain M1-2^T should be classified as a novel species, for which the name Joostella atrarenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain for the novel species is M1-2^T (= KCTC 23194^T = NCAIM B.002413^T).     

Cohnella boryungensis sp. nov., isolated from soil

A Gram-staining positive, endospore-forming, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, BR-29^T, was isolated from soil from west coast of the Korean peninsula, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic study. Strain BR-29^T grew optimally at around pH 7.5, at 30°C and in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BR-29^T fell into a clade comprising the type strains of Cohnella species, with which it exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 92.8–96.4%. Strain BR-29^T contained a cell wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid and MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, C_16:0 and iso-C_16:0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysylphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids; a minor amount of phosphatidylglycerol was present. The DNA G+C content was 54.9 mol%. Strain BR-29^T could be differentiated from phylogenetically related Cohnella species by differences in phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain BR-29^T represents a novel species of the genus Cohnella, for which the name Cohnella boryungensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is BR-29^T (= KCTC 13735^T = CCUG 59598^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacteroides sedimenti</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from a chloroethenes-dechlorinating consortium enriched from river sediment

A Gram-negative, anaerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated YN3PY1^T, was isolated from a chloroethene-dechlorinating consortium originally enriched from river sediment. The strain enhanced the dechlorination of cis-dichloroethene to ethene by Dehalococcoides, especially at the early stages of cultivation. Strain YN3PY1^T was the first isolate of the genus Bacteroides, obtained from animal-independent environments, and its 16S rRNA gene had the highest sequence similarity (97.1%) with Bacteroides luti JCM 19020^T in the ‘Coprosuis’ clade of the genus Bacteroides. Strain YN3PY1^T formed a phylogenetic cluster with other phylotypes detected from sediments and paddy soil, and the cluster was affiliated with a linage of so-called free-living Bacteroides detected from animal-independent environments, suggesting specific adaptations to sediment-like environments. The strain showed typical phenotypes of Bacteroides, i.e., polysaccharolytic anaerobe having anteiso-C_15:0 as the most abundant fatty acid and MK-11 as one of the major respiratory quinones. Additionally, the strain uniquely transforms glucose to lactate and malate, has MK-12 as another major respiratory quinone, and grows at comparatively low temperatures, i.e. 10–40°C, with an optimum at 28°C. Based on the presented data, strain YN3PY1^T (= KCTC 15656^T = NBRC 113168^T) can be proposed as a novel species of the genus Bacteroides and named as Bacteroides sedimenti sp. nov.     

Desulfosoma profundi sp. nov., a thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from a deep terrestrial geothermal spring in France

A novel strictly anaerobic bacterium designated SPDX02-08^T was isolated from a deep terrestrial geothermal spring located in southwest France. Cells (1–2 × 2–6 μm) were non-motile, non sporulating and stained Gram negative. Strain SPDX02-08^T grew at a temperature between 40 and 60°C (optimum 55°C), pH between 6.3 and 7.3 (optimum 7.2) and a NaCl concentration between 0 and 5 g/l (optimum 2 g/l). Sulfate, thiosulfate and sulfite were used as terminal electron acceptors, but not elemental sulfur, nitrate, nitrite, Fe (III) or fumarate. In the presence of sulfate, strain SPDX02-08^T completely oxidized pyruvate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate and hexadecanoate. Stoichiometric measurements revealed a complete oxidation of part of lactate (0.125 mol of acetate produced per mole lactate oxidized). Strain SPDX02-08^T required yeast extract to oxidize formate and H₂ but did not grow autotrophically on H₂. Among the substrates tested, only pyruvate was fermented. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 57.6 mol%. Major cellular fatty acids of strain SPDX02-08^T were iso-C_15:0, C_15:0, and C_16:0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S small-subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA gene sequence indicated that strain SPDX02-08^T belongs to the genus Desulfosoma, family Syntrophobacteraceae, having Desulfosoma caldarium as its closest phylogenetic relative (97.6% similarity). The mean DNA/DNA reassociation value between strain SPDX02-08^T and Desulfosoma caldarium was 16.9 ± 2.7%. Based on the polyphasic differences, strain SPDX02-08^T is proposed to be assigned as a new species of the genus Desulfosoma, Desulfosoma profundi sp. nov. (DSM 22937^T = JCM 16410^T). GenBank accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain SPDX02-08^T is HM056226.     

Atypical one-carbon metabolism of an acetogenic and hydrogenogenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moorella thermoacetica</Emphasis> strain

A thermophilic spore-forming bacterium (strain AMP) was isolated from a thermophilic methanogenic bioreactor that was fed with cobalt-deprived synthetic medium containing methanol as substrate. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that strain AMP was closely related to the acetogenic bacterium Moorella thermoacetica DSM 521^T (98.3% sequence similarity). DNA–DNA hybridization showed 75.2 ± 4.7% similarity to M. thermoacetica DSM 521^T, suggesting that strain AMP is a M. thermoacetica strain. Strain AMP has a unique one-carbon metabolism compared to other Moorella species. In media without cobalt growth of strain AMP on methanol was only sustained in coculture with a hydrogen-consuming methanogen, while in media with cobalt it grew acetogenically in the absence of the methanogen. Addition of thiosulfate led to sulfide formation and less acetate formation. Growth of strain AMP with CO resulted in the formation of hydrogen as the main product, while other CO-utilizing Moorella strains produce acetate as product. Formate supported growth only in the presence of thiosulfate or in coculture with the methanogen. Strain AMP did not grow with H₂/CO₂, unlike M. thermoacetica (DSM 521^T). The lack of growth with H₂/CO₂ likely is due to the absence of cytochrome b in strain AMP.     

Winogradskyella multivorans sp. nov., a polysaccharide-degrading bacterium isolated from seawater of an oyster farm

A novel bacterial strain, designated T-Y1^T, capable of degrading a variety of polysaccharides was isolated from seawater of an oyster farm in the South Sea, Korea. It was found to be aerobic, Gram-negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding and rod-shaped. Strain T-Y1^T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain T-Y1^T belonged to the genus Winogradskyella. Strain T-Y1^T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 95.0–96.8 % to the type strains of recognized Winogradskyella species and less than 94.5 % to other validly named species. The chemotaxonomic data concurred with the phylogenetic inference. Strain T-Y1^T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:1 G and iso-C_16:0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain T-Y1^T were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 36.2 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, enabled strain T-Y1^T to be differentiated from the recognized Winogradskyella species. On the basis of the data presented here, strain T-Y1^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella, for which the name Winogradskyella multivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T-Y1^T (=KCTC 23891^T = CCUG 62216^T).     

Characterization of Halanaerobaculum tunisiense gen. nov., sp. nov., a new halophilic fermentative, strictly anaerobic bacterium isolated from a hypersaline lake in Tunisia

A new halophilic anaerobe was isolated from the hypersaline surface sediments of El-Djerid Chott, Tunisia. The isolate, designated as strain 6SANG, grew at NaCl concentrations ranging from 14 to 30%, with an optimum at 20–22%. Strain 6SANG was a non-spore-forming, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, appearing singly, in pairs, or occasionally as long chains (0.7–1 × 4–13 μm) and showed a Gram-negative-like cell wall pattern. It grew optimally at pH values between 7.2 and 7.4, but had a very broad pH range for growth (5.9–8.4). Optimum temperature for growth was 42°C (range 30–50°C). Strain 6SANG required yeast extract for growth on sugars. Glucose, sucrose, galactose, mannose, maltose, cellobiose, pyruvate, and starch were fermented. The end products from glucose fermentation were acetate, butyrate, lactate, H₂, and CO₂. The G + C ratio of the DNA was 34.3 mol%. Strain 6SANG exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 91–92% with members of the genus Halobacteroides, H. halobius being its closest phylogenetic relative. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, we propose that this bacterium be classified as a novel species of a novel genus, Halanaerobaculum tunisiense gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is 6SANG^T (=DSM 19997^T = JCM 15060^T).     

Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis sp. nov., isolated from Hirudo medicinalis

A Gram-negative, coccoid shaped bacterium isolated from the outer surface of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis was characterized. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that the bacterium was closely related to species of the genus Luteolibacter. Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis was the most closely related species (94.6 % sequence similarity), followed by Luteolibacter luojiensis (93.4 %) and Luteolibacter algae (93.3 %). Chemotaxonomic data (major ubiquinone: MK-9; major polar lipids: phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol; and major fatty acids: iso-C_14:0, C_16:0, iso-C_16:1, and anteiso-C_15:0) supported the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Luteolibacter. DNA–DNA hybridizations with the type strain of L. pohnpeiensis was 31 % (reciprocal value 30 %). A phenotypic differentiation of strain E100^T from L. pohnpeiensis and the other Luteolibacter species was possible by several physiological tests. We conclude Strain E100^T represents a novel species, for which we propose the name Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis sp. nov. with the type strain E100^T (=CCM 8400^T = LMG 26924^T).     

Thermovorax subterraneus, gen. nov., sp. nov., a thermophilic hydrogen-producing bacterium isolated from geothermally active underground mine

A thermophilic, rod-shaped, motile, Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium strain 70B^T was isolated from a geothermally active underground mine in Japan. The temperature and pH range for growth was 50–81°C (optimum 71°C) and 6.2–9.8 (optimum pH 7–7.5), respectively. Growth occurred in the presence 0–2% NaCl (optimum 1% NaCl). Strain 70B^T could utilize glucose, fructose, mannose, mannitol, pyruvate, cellobiose and tryptone as substrates. Thiosulfate was used as electron acceptor. Major whole-cell fatty acids were iso-C_15:0, C_16:0 DMA (dimethyl acetal), C_16:0 and anteiso-C_15:0. The G+C mol% of the DNA was 44.2%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the closest relatives of strain 70B^T were Thermosediminibacter oceani DSM 16646^T (94% similarity) and Thermosediminibacter litoriperuensis DSM 16647 (93% similarity). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain 70B^T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Thermovorax subterraneus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Thermovorax subterraneus is 70B^T (=DSM 21563 = JCM 15541).     

Microcella flavibacter sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment,and reclassification of Chryseoglobus frigidaquae,Chryseoglobus indicus,and Yonghaparkia alkaliphila as Microcella frigidaquae comb. nov., Microcella indica nom. nov., and Microcella alkalica nom. nov.

A novel Gram-staining positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and yellow-pigmented actinobacterium, designated strain WY83^T, was isolated from a marine sediment of Indian Ocean. Strain WY83^T grew optimally at 30–35 °C, pH 7–8 and with 0–3% (w/v) NaCl. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10, MK-11 and MK-12, and the major fatty acids were C_19:1 ω9c/C19:1 ω11c, anteiso-C_15:0, C_17:0 3OH, and iso-C_16:0. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified glycolipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained lysine as a diamino acid. The DNA G?+?C content was 72.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and ninety-two bacterial core genes indicated that strain WY83^T formed an evolutionary lineage with Chryseoglobus frigidaquae JCM 14730^T, Chryseoglobus indicus CTD02-10-2^T, Yonghaparkia alkaliphila JCM 15138^T, Microcella alkaliphila DSM 18851^T and Microcella putealis DSM 19627^T within the radiation enclosing members of the family Microbacteriaceae. All pairwise percentage of conserved proteins between strain WY83^T and the closely related phylogenetic neighbors were greater than 65%. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values were both below the thresholds used for the delineation of a new species. On the basis of the evidence presented, strains WY83^T, Y. alkaliphila JCM 15138^T, C. frigidaquae JCM 14730^T, M. alkaliphila DSM 18851^T and M. putealis DSM 19627^T should belong to different species of the same genus. Strain WY83^T represents a novel species of the genus Microcella, for which the name Microcella flavibacter sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WY83^T (=?KCTC 39637^T?=?MCCC 1A07099^T). Furthermore, Chryseoglobus frigidaquae, Chryseoglobus indicus, and Yonghaparkia alkaliphila were reclassified as Microcella frigidaquae comb. nov., Microcella indica nom. nov., and Microcella alkalica nom. nov., respectively.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Shewanella upenei</Emphasis> sp. nov., a lipolytic bacterium isolated from bensasi goatfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Upeneus bensasi</Emphasis>

A Gram-staining-negative, motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, 20-23R^T, was isolated from intestine of bensasi goatfish, Upeneus bensasi, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic study. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 20-23R^T belonged to the genus Shewanella. Strain 20-23R^T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 99.5, 99.2, and 97.5% to Shewanella algae ATCC 51192^T, Shewanella haliotis DW01^T, and Shewanella chilikensis JC5^T, respectively. Strain 20-23R^T exhibited 93.1–96.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the other Shewanella species. It also exhibited 98.3–98.4% gyrB sequence similarity to the type strains of S. algae and S. haliotis. Strain 20-23R^T contained simultaneously both menaquinones and ubiquinones; the predominant menaquinone was MK-7 and the predominant ubiquinones were Q-8 and Q-7. The fatty acid profiles of strain 20–23R^T, S. algae KCTC 22552^T and S. haliotis KCTC 12896^T were similar; major components were iso-C_15:0, C_16:0, C_16:1 ω7c and/or iso-C_15:0 2-OH and C_17:1 ω8c. The DNA G+C content of strain 20-23R^T was 53.9 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties and genetic distinctiveness of strain 20–23R^T, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that this strain is distinguishable from recognized Shewanella species. On the basis of the data presented, strain 20-23R^T represents a novel species of the genus Shewanella, for which the name Shewanella upenei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 20–23R^T (=KCTC 22806^T =CCUG 58400^T).     

Roseovarius litoreus sp. nov., isolated from seawater of southern coast of Korean peninsula

A gram-negative, non-flagellated and ovoid- to rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated GSW-M15^T, was isolated from seawater on the southern coast of South Korea. Strain GSW-M15^T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GSW-M15^T belonged to the genus Roseovarius. Strain GSW-M15^T exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values (98.3 and 97.5 %) to Roseovarius halotolerans HJ50^T and Roseovarius pacificus 81-2^T and 92.8-96.2 % sequence similarity values to the type strains of the other Roseovarius species. Strain GSW-M15^T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C_18:1 ω7c and 11-methyl-C_18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain GSW-M15^T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain GSW-M15^T was 62.9 mol% and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness values with R. halotolerans KCTC 22224^T and R. pacificus LMG 24575^T were 33 and 18 %, respectively. Differential phenotypic properties of strain GSW-M15^T, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that this strain is distinguishable from other Roseovarius species. On the basis of the data presented here, strain GSW-M15^T (=KCTC 23897^T = CCUG 62218^T) represents a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius litoreus sp. nov. is proposed.     

Pedobacter aquae sp. nov., a multi-drug resistant bacterium isolated from fresh water

A novel bacterial strain designated CJ43^T was isolated from fresh water located in Gangwon-do, South Korea, displaying multi-drug resistance. The isolate was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, orange-pigmented, and rod-shaped. Strain CJ43^T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7 on R2A agar in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CJ43^T belonged to the genus Pedobacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae and was most closely related to Pedobacter puniceum HX-22-1 ^T and P. glucosidilyticus 1-2 ^T (98.3 and 98.1% sequence similarity). The genome size of strain CJ43^T was 3.9 Mb in a single contig with DNA G?+?C content of 34.9%. The genome included 3144 predicted protein-coding genes, as well as 55 tRNA, 9 rRNA and 3 ncRNA genes. The genome also contained 128 putative antibiotic resistance genes, reflecting its phenotypes. The average nucleotide identity values between strain CJ43^T and two closely related strains P. puniceum HX-22-1 ^T and P. glucosidilyticus 1-2 ^T were 91.0 and 88.7%, respectively. In silico digital DNA-DNA hybridization results between strain CJ43^T and the related strains were 42.8 and 38.6%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain CJ43^T were iso-C_15:0, iso-C_17:0 3-OH, and summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω6c and/or C_16:1 ω7c). Strain CJ43^T contained phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid and menaquinone-7 as the sole respiratory quinone. Based on the polyphasic taxonomy data, strain CJ43^T represents a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter aquae sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain CJ43^T (=?KACC 21350 ^T?=?JCM 33709 ^T).

     

Sediminihabitans luteus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Cellulomonadaceae isolated from sea sediment

Two novel Gram-positive actinobacteria, designated H97-3^T and H83-5, were isolated from marine sediment samples and their taxonomic positions were investigated by a polyphasic approach. Both strains formed vegetative hyphae in the early phase of growth but the hyphae eventually fragmented into coccoid cells. The peptidoglycan type was found to be A4α. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H₄), and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_17:0 and C_16:0. The DNA G+C content was 74.0–74.9 mol %. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that strains H97-3^T and H83-5 represented novel members of the family Cellulomonadaceae. Their nearest phylogenetic neighbours were the members of the genus Oerskovia, with a similarity of 98.3–98.4 %. However, strains H97-3^T and H83-5 were distinguishable from the members of the genus Oerskovia and the other genera of the family Cellulomonadaceae in terms of chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic relationship. The result of the DNA–DNA hybridization indicated that strains H97-3^T and H83-5 belonged to the same species. Therefore, strains H97-3^T and H83-5 represent a novel genus and species of the family Cellulomonadaceae, for which the name Sediminihabitans luteus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of S. lutes is H97-3^T (=NBRC 108568^T = DSM 25478^T).     

Magnetospirillum sulfuroxidans sp. nov., capable of sulfur-dependent lithoautotrophy and a taxonomic reevaluation of the order Rhodospirillales

A spiral-shaped, highly motile bacterium was isolated from freshwater sulfidic sediment. Strain J10^T is a facultative autotroph utilizing sulfide, thiosulfate, and sulfur as the electron donors in microoxic conditions. Despite high 16S rRNA gene sequence sequence identity to Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 ^T (99.6 %), digital DNA-DNA hybridisation homology and average nucleotide identity between the two strains was of the different species level (25 % and 83 %, respectively). Strain J10^T is not magnetotactic. The DNA G + C content of strain J10^T is 61.9 %. The predominant phospholipid ester-linked fatty acids are C18:1ω7, C16:1ω7, and C16:0. Strain J10^T (=DSM 23205 ^T = VKM B-3486 ^T) is the first strain of the genus Magnetospirillum showing lithoautotrophic growth and is proposed here as a novel species, Magnetospirillum sulfuroxidans sp. nov. In addition, we propose to establish a framework for distinguishing genera and families within the order Rhodospirillales based on phylogenomic analysis using the threshold values for average amino acid identity at ̴ 72 % for genera and ̴ 60 % for families. According to this, we propose to divide the existing genus Magnetospirillum into three genera: Magnetospirillum, Paramagnetospirillum, and Phaeospirillum, constituting a separate family Magnetospirillaceae fam. nov. in the order Rhodospirillales. Furthermore, phylogenomic data suggest that this order should accomodate six more new family level groups including Magnetospiraceae fam. nov., Magnetovibrionaceae fam. nov., Dongiaceae fam. nov., Niveispirillaceae fam. nov., Fodinicurvataceae fam. nov., and Oceanibaculaceae fam. nov.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Halobacillus hunanensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a subterranean brine

A moderately halophilic, Gram-positive, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 071077^T, was isolated from a subterranean brine sample collected from a salt mine in Hunan Province, China. Cells were motile by means of peritrichous flagella and formed ellipsoidal endospores lying in subterminal swollen sporangia. Strain JSM 071077^T was able to grow with 2–25% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 5–10%), at pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and 10–40°C (optimum, 25–30°C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7, and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_17:0 and iso-C_15:0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 071077^T should be assigned to the genus Halobacillus, being related most closely to the type strain of Halobacillus naozhouensis (98.8% sequence similarity), and the two strains formed a distinct subline in the neighbor-joining, minimum-evolution and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees. The sequence similarities between the novel isolate and the type strains of other recognized Halobacillus species ranged from 97.6% (with Halobacillus alkaliphilus) to 95.2% (with Halobacillus kuroshimensis). The results of the phylogenetic analyses, combined with DNA–DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic information, support that strain JSM 071077^T represents a new species of the genus Halobacillus, for which the name Halobacillus hunanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 071077^T (=DSM 21184^T = KCTC 13235^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oceanicoccus sagamiensis</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from sea water of Sagami Bay in Japan

A gram-negative, motile, coccoid- and amorphous-shaped, non-pigmented chemoheterotrophic bacterium, designated strain PZ-5^T, was isolated from sea water of Sagami Bay in Japan and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the novel isolate could be affiliated with the class Gammaproteobacteria. Strain PZ-5^T showed below 93.9% similarity with validly published bacteria and demonstrated the highest sequence similarity to Dasania marina KOPRI 20902^T (93.9%). Strain PZ-5^T formed a monophyletic group with D. marina KOPRI 20902^T. The DNA G+C content of strain PZ-5^T was 49.8 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and predominant cellular fatty acids were C_15:0 ISO 20H (19%), C_16:1 ω7c (17.4%), C_17;1 ω8c (16.2%), C_11:0 3OH (7.5%), and C_15:1 ω8c (6.5%). Based on evidence from a polyphasic taxonomical study, it was concluded that the strain should be classified as representing a new genus and species of the class Gammaproteobacteria, for which the name Oceanicoccus sagamiensis gen. nov., sp. nov., (type strain PZ-5^T =NBRC 107125^T =KCTC 23278^T) is proposed.     

Desulfosporosinus acidiphilus sp. nov.: a moderately acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from acid mining drainage sediments

An obligately anaerobic, spore-forming, acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium, strain SJ4^T, was isolated from an acid mining effluent decantation pond sediment sample (pH around 3.0). Cells were Gram negative, non-motile, curved rods occurring singly. Strain SJ4^T grew at pH 3.6–5.5 with an optimum at pH 5.2. Strain SJ4^T utilized H₂, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, glucose, and fructose as electron donors. Lactate and glucose were weakly used. Sulfate was used as electron acceptors, but not sulfite, elemental sulfur, arsenate (V), and fumarate. The G + C content of genomic DNA was 42.3 mol% (HPLC). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain SJ4^T belonged to the genus Desulfosporosinus within the family Peptococcaceae in the phylum Firmicutes. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with other Desulfosporosinus species was 94.7–96.2%, D. orientis DSM 765^T (similarity of 96.2%) and D. auripigmenti DSM 13351^T (similarity of 95%) being its closest relatives. DNA–DNA relatedness values with D. orientis and D. auripigmenti were 16.5 and 31.8%, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic characteristics, strain SJ4^T represents a novel species within the genus Desulfosporosinus, for which the name Desulfosporosinus acidiphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SJ4^T (=DSM 22704^T = JCM 16185^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arthrobacter halodurans</Emphasis> sp. nov., a new halotolerant bacterium isolated from sea water

A novel Gram-positive, halotolerant, non-sporulating, non-motile, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 078085^T, was isolated from sea water collected from the South China Sea. Strain JSM 078085^T exhibited a rod-coccus growth cycle and produced a yellow pigment. The strain was able to grow in the presence of 0–12% (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0–9.5 and 4–35°C; optimum growth was observed at pH 7.0 and 25–30°C in the absence of NaCl. The peptidoglycan type was A4α (l-Lys–l-Ala–l-Glu). Cell-wall sugars contained galactose and glucose. Strain JSM 078085^T contained menaquinone MK-9(H₂) as the major respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol as the major polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:0 and anteiso-C_17:0 and the DNA G + C content was 63.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 078085^T should be assigned to the genus Arthrobacter, being most closely related to the type strain of Arthrobacter rhombi (sequence similarity 97.1%), and the two strains formed a distinct lineage in the phylogenetic tree. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain JSM 078085^T and the type strain of Arthrobacter rhombi was 10.6%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the view that strain JSM 078085^T represents a novel species of the genus Arthrobacter, for which the name Arthrobacter halodurans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 078085^T (=DSM 21081^T=KCTC 19430^T). The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain JSM 078085^T is EU583729.