Microbacterium arthrosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from the faeces of the pill millipede Arthrosphaera magna Attems

A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CC-VM-YT, was isolated from the faeces of the pill millipede Arthrosphaera magna Attems from India and was subsequently studied to determine its taxonomic position. Based on16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the isolate clearly grouped with members of the genus Microbacterium. On the basis of pairwise comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CC-VM-YT was most closely related to Microbacterium insulae DS-66T (98 %), Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans DSM 160809T (97.8 %) and Microbacterium hominis NBRC 15708T (97.9 %). The peptidoglycan contained the amino acids ornithine (Orn), alanine (Ala), glycine (Gly), homoserine (Hsr) and glutamic acid (Glu) in an approximate molar ratio of 1.0 : 0.8 : 2.2 : 0.8 : 0.3. In addition, substantial amounts of threo-3-hydroxy glutamic acid (Hyg) were detected, which is characteristic of peptidoglycan type B2β. The acyl type of the peptidoglycan was glycolyl. The menaquinones of strain CC-VM-YT were MK-13 (72 %), MK-12 (25 %) and MK-11 (3 %). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unknown phospholipid and one unknown glycolipid. The fatty acid profile comprised anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as the major fatty acids, which was congruent with fatty acid profiles of other members of the genus Microbacterium. The results of physiological and biochemical tests as well as DNA–DNA hybridizations with the most closely related species, M. insulae, M. hydrocarbonoxydans and M. hominis, revealed clear phenotypic and genotypic differences between strain CC-VM-YT and other members of the genus Microbacterium. Based on these results, strain CC-VM-YT ( = DSM 22421T  = CCM 7681T) represents a new species of the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium arthrosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed.

Flavobacterium macrobrachii sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater shrimp culture pond

A bacterial strain, designated an-8T, was isolated from a freshwater shrimp culture pond in Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strain an-8T were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile, formed yellow-pigmented colonies and grew at 15–30 °C (optimum 25 °C), pH 7–8 (optimum pH 8.0) and in 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain an-8T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium and its most closely related neighbours were Flavobacterium terrigena DS-20T and Flavobacterium terrae R2A1-13T with sequence similarities of 95.1 and 94.9 %, respectively. Strain an-8T contained iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C16 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 as the major fatty acids. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-6. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and several unidentified polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.8 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, strain an-8T represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium macrobrachii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is an-8T ( = BCRC 17965T  = LMG 25203T).

Aquabacterium limnoticum sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater spring

A Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, short-rod-shaped, non-motile and non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated ABP-4(T), was isolated from a freshwater spring in Taiwan and was characterized using the polyphasic taxonomy approach. Growth occurred at 20-40 °C (optimum, 30-37 °C), at pH 7.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-9.0) and with 0-3% NaCl (optimum, 0%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ABP-4(T), together with Aquabacterium fontiphilum CS-6(T) (96.4% sequence similarity), Aquabacterium commune B8(T) (96.1%), Aquabacterium citratiphilum B4(T) (95.5%) and Aquabacterium parvum B6(T) (94.7%), formed a deep line within the order Burkholderiales. Strain ABP-4(T) contained summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1) ω7c and/or C(16:1) ω6c), C(18:1) ω7c and C(16:0) as predominant fatty acids. The major cellular hydroxy fatty acid was C(10:0) 3-OH. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the DNA G+C content was 68.6 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized phospholipids. The DNA-DNA relatedness of strain ABP-4(T) with respect to recognized species of the genus Aquabacterium was less than 70%. On the basis of the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain ABP-4(T) represents a novel species in the genus Aquabacterium, for which the name Aquabacterium limnoticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ABP-4(T) (=BCRC 80167(T)=KCTC 23306(T)).

Supercritical carbon dioxide micronization of zeaxanthin from moderately thermophilic bacteria Muricauda lutaonensis CC-HSB-11T

Moderately thermophilic bacterial strain CC-HSB-11(T) (Muricauda lutaonensis), which was described recently from a coastal hot spring of Green Island, Taiwan, has been identified to produce zeaxanthin as a predominant xanthophyll by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Cell culture in bioreactor produced 3.12 ± 0.18 mg zeaxanthin L(-1) of culture. Micronization of zeaxanthin was achieved through supercritical carbon dioxide antisolvent precipitation method. Yield of zeaxanthin after the process was 53.4%. Dynamic light scattering assay determined the polydisperse existence of micronized particles of size 3 nm to 2 μm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct morphology and size distribution heterogeneity of particles. Integrity of zeaxanthin after the antisolvent process was assessed by LC-MS/MS. The technique capitalizes on the inherent ability of CC-HSB-11(T) to synthesize zeaxanthin and the work demonstrated feasibility of antisolvent precipitation method to produce microparticles exploiting a bacterial strain.

Stappia aquimarina sp. nov., isolated from seawater

A light-yellow pigmented bacterial strain designated SPIO-19(T) was isolated from seawater in Taiwan and was characterized using the polyphasic taxonomy approach. Strain SPIO-19(T) was Gram-negative, obligately aerobic, rod-shaped, motile by means of one polar flagellum and non-spore forming. Growth occurred at 15-42°C (optimum, 30-40°C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and with 0.5-9.0% NaCl (optimum, 1.0-5.0%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SPIO-19(T) belonged to the genus Stappia and its closest neighbours were Stappia indica B106(T) and Stappia stellulata IAM 12621(T) with sequence similarities of 98.0% and 97.9%, respectively. Strain SPIO-19(T) contained C(18:1)ω7c as predominant fatty acid. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 64.5 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine (PMME), phosphatidylcholine (PC), an uncharacterized aminolipid (AL) and an uncharacterized phospholipid (PL). The level of DNA-DNA relatedness of strain SPIO-19(T) to Stappia indica B106(T) and to Stappia stellulata IAM 12621(T) was 22.6 ± 2.8 % and 38.9 ± 3.8 %, respectively. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic data, strain SPIO-19(T) represents a new species in the genus Stappia, for which the name Stappia aquimarina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SPIO-19(T) (=BCRC 80170(T) =LMG 25532(T)).

Gordonia humi sp. nov., isolated from soil

A Gram-stain-positive, non-endospore-forming actinobacterium (CC-12301T) was isolated from soil attached to a spawn used in the laboratory to grow the edible mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain CC-12301T was shown to belong to the genus Gordonia and was most closely related to the type strains of Gordonia hydrophobica (97.6 % similarity), Gordonia terrae (97.5 %), Gordonia amarae (97.5 %) and Gordonia malaquae (97.4 %). The quinone system was determined to consist predominantly of menaquinone MK-9(H2), minor amounts of MK-8(H2) and MK-7(H2). The polar lipid profile consisted of the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, moderate amounts of two phosphatidylinositol mannosides and phosphatidylinositol and minor amounts of phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified glycolipids, two phosphoglycolipids and a phospholipid. Mycolic acids were present. These chemotaxonomic traits and the major fatty acids, which were C16 : 1 cis9, C16 : 0, C18 : 1 and tuberculostearic acid (10-methyl C18 : 0), supported the affiliation of strain CC-12301T to the genus Gordonia. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed clear phenotypic differentiation of strain CC-12301T from the most closely related Gordonia species. Strain CC-12301T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Gordonia humi sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CC-12301T (=DSM 45298T =CCM 7727T).

Arcicella aurantiaca sp. nov., isolated from stream water

A bacterial strain designated TNR-18T was isolated from stream water in southern Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strain TNR-18T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and vibrioid, and the strain formed orange colonies. Growth occurred at 10–30 °C, with 0–0.2 % NaCl and at pH 6.0–10.0. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TNR-18T belonged to the genus Arcicella; its closest neighbours were Arcicella rosea TW5T and Arcicella aquatica NO-502T, with respective sequence similarities of 97.9 and 97.8 %. Predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c; 37.7 %), C16 : 1 ω5c (13.0 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (11.1 %). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 39.9 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, strain TNR-18T should be classified as representing a novel species, for which the name Arcicella aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TNR-18T (=LMG 25207T =BCRC 17969T).

Terrimonas aquatica sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater spring

A yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated RIB1-6T, was isolated from a freshwater spring in Taiwan. Strain RIB1-6T was aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and non-spore-forming. Growth occurred at 10–37 °C, at pH 7–8 and with 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RIB1-6T belonged to the genus Terrimonas and its two closest neighbours were Terrimonas ferruginea ATCC 13524T and Terrimonas lutea DYT (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity 97.4 % and 93.5 %, respectively). Strain RIB1-6T contained iso-C15 : 0 (33.4 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (18.2 %), summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c; 14.7 %) and iso-C15 : 1 (11.5 %) as the predominant fatty acids. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content of strain RIB1-6T was 47.3 mol%. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic data, strain RIB1-6T represents a novel species in the genus Terrimonas, for which the name Terrimonas aquatica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RIB1-6T (=BCRC 17941T=LMG 24825T).

Proposal of Solimonas aquatica sp. nov., reclassification of Sinobacter flavus Zhou et al. 2008 as Solimonas flava comb. nov. and Singularimonas variicoloris Friedrich and Lipski 2008 as Solimonas variicoloris comb. nov. and emended descriptions of the genus Solimonas and its type species Solimonas soli

A bacterial strain designated NAA16(T) was isolated from a freshwater spring in Taiwan and was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain NAA16(T) was aerobic, Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming and motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Growth occurred at 20-40 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and with up to 1 % NaCl (optimum, 0.5 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the closest relatives of strain NAA16(T) were Singularimonas variicoloris MN28(T), Sinobacter flavus CW-KD 4(T) and Solimonas soli DCY12(T), with respective sequence similarities of 96.7, 96.6 and 96.2 %. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed from 16S rRNA gene or rpoB sequences (encoding the β-subunit of the RNA polymerase) revealed that the novel strain NAA16(T) and these three closest relatives formed an independent phylogenetic clade within the Gammaproteobacteria. Strain NAA16(T) contained C₁₆:₀, C₁₈:₁ω7c and summed feature 3 (C₁₆:₁ω7c and/or C₁₆:₁ω6c) as predominant fatty acids and possessed phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an uncharacterized aminophospholipid as dominant polar lipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content of strain NAA16(T) was 66.2 mol%. The taxonomic relationship of strain NAA16(T), Singularimonas variicoloris DSM 15731(T), Sinobacter flavus DSM 18980(T) and Solimonas soli LMG 24014(T) was clarified by means of a direct experimental comparison. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, the descriptions of the genus Solimonas and its type species Solimonas soli are emended. Members of the genus are Gram-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic and chemo-organotrophic. Chemotaxonomically, members of the genus Solimonas possess Q-8 as the major respiratory quinone, C₁₆:₀ and C₁₈:₁ω7c as predominant fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an uncharacterized aminophospholipid as dominant polar lipids; the DNA G+C content is 64.9-68.4 mol%. Phylogenetic evidence, supported by chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, allowed us to assign strain NAA16(T) to the genus Solimonas within the novel species Solimonas aquatica sp. nov. (type strain NAA16(T)  = BCRC 17835(T)  = LMG 24500(T)). The reclassification of Sinobacter flavus as Solimonas flava comb. nov. (type strain CW-KD 4(T)  = DSM 18980(T)  = KCTC 12881(T)  = CCTCC AB 206145(T)) and Singularimonas variicoloris as Solimonas variicoloris comb. nov. (type strain MN28(T)  = DSM 15731(T)  = LMG 22844(T)) is also proposed.

Pseudoteredinibacter isoporae gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from the reef-building coral Isopora palifera

A Gram-negative, heterotrophic, marine bacterium, designated strain SW-11(T), was isolated from the reef-building coral Isopora palifera in Kenting, Taiwan. Cells were rods and were motile by a single polar flagellum. The strain grew at 10-45 °C (optimum, 30-35 °C), at pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and with 2.0-4.0 % NaCl (optimum, 2.5-3.0 %). The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, diphosphatidylglycerol and four unknown phospholipids. Isoprenoid quinones consisted of ubiquinone 9 (78.8 %) and ubiquinone 8 (21.1 %). Major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or C(16 : 1)ω6c; 22.3 %), C(17 : 1)ω8c (13.4 %), summed feature 8 (C(18 : 1)ω6c and/or C(18 : 1)ω7c; 13.1 %), C(16 : 0) (10.3 %) and anteiso-C(17 : 1)ω9c (10.0 %). The DNA G+C content was 51.6 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain SW-11(T) belongs to the class Gammaproteobacteria and is a member of the order Alteromonadales. Strain SW-11(T) shared 93.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Teredinibacter turnerae T7902(T) and 92.1 % with Saccharophagus degradans 2-40(T), and can be further distinguished from these two related strains by distinct patterns of fatty acid content and differences in the polar lipid profile, the ability to utilize different compounds as carbon sources, the ability to degrade various compounds and differences in enzyme activities. The phylogenetic data and those from physiological, morphological and chemotaxonomic characterizations indicate that strain SW-11(T) represents a novel species and genus, for which the name Pseudoteredinibacter isoporae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Pseudoteredinibacter isoporae is SW-11(T) ( = BCRC 17935(T)  = LMG 25246(T)).

Fontibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family ‘Cyclobacteriaceae’, isolated from a hot spring

The taxonomic position of a bright orange-pigmented bacterial strain, designated CC-GZM-130T, isolated from a water sample of the Guan-zing-ling hot spring, southern Taiwan, was studied. The strain was able to grow on nutrient agar at 25–40 °C and in the presence of 1–3 % (w/v) NaCl. Comparative analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate was grouped in the vicinity of the genus Aquiflexum with the highest sequence similarity of 92.1 % to the type strain of Aquiflexum balticum, followed by sequence similarities of 92.0, 91.6 and 91.5 % to the type strains of Algoriphagus ornithinivorans, Algoriphagus hitonicola and Belliella baltica, respectively. The polyamine pattern showed that the major compound was sym-homospermidine. The quinone system was menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipid profile was composed predominantly of phosphatidylethanolamine, three polar lipids and one aminolipid. Minor amounts of other lipids were also detectable. The main characteristics of the fatty acid profiles of strain CC-GZM-130T, B. baltica and Aquiflexum balticum were similar, with iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1 ω9c and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids, but some qualitative and quantitative differences were observed. The DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 53.2 mol%. The isolate clearly differed genotypically and phenotypically from representatives of the most closely related genera. On the basis of these differences, a novel species in a new genus, Fontibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed with CC-GZM-130T (=CCUG 57694T=CCM 7650T) as the type strain of the type species.

Agaricicola taiwanensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from the edible mushroom Agaricus blazei

A Gram-negative, beige-pigmented, aerobic, motile, club-shaped bacterium, designated strain CC-SBABM117T, was isolated from the stipe of the edible mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that the strain shared <93 % similarity with the type strains of species in the genera Pannonibacter, Methylopila, Nesiotobacter and Stappia. The organism was unable to produce acid from carbohydrates, but utilized a number of organic acids and amino acids. Ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) was the major respiratory quinone and C18 : 1 ω7c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 0 were the predominant fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain CC-SBABM117T was 62.7 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and chemotaxonomic and physiological data, strain CC-SBABM117T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Agaricicola taiwanensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Agaricicola taiwanensis is CC-SBABM117T (=BCRC 17964T =CCM 7684T).

Chitinibacter alvei sp. nov., isolated from stream water

A Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain TNR-14T, was isolated from water of a stream located in southern Taiwan. Cells were rod-shaped and motile by means of a polar flagellum. The isolate exhibited optimum growth at 20 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belonged to the genus Chitinibacter and was related most closely to the type strain of Chitinibacter tainanensis (96.0 % similarity). The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c; 54.03 %) and C16 : 0 (27.22 %). The DNA G+C content of strain TNR-14T was 57.5 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests and chemotaxonomic data allowed the clear phenotypic differentiation of the new isolate from Chitinibacter tainanensis. Strain TNR-14T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Chitinibacter, for which the name Chitinibacter alvei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TNR-14T (=LMG 25206T =DSM 22217T =BCRC 17968T).

Chryseobacterium arthrosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from the faeces of the pill millipede Arthrosphaera magna Attems

A bacterial strain (CC-VM-7T), isolated from the faeces of the pill millipede Arthrosphaera magna Attems collected in India, was studied to determine its taxonomic allocation. Cells stained Gram-negative and were rod-shaped. Comparative analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain with those of the most closely related species clearly suggested allocation to the genus Chryseobacterium, with the highest sequence similarities of 99.2 % to Chryseobacterium gleum CCUG 14555T, 98.6 % to Chryseobacterium indologenes CCUG 14556T and 98.4 % to Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense KCTC 12894T. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other species of the genus Chryseobacterium were below 98 %. The major whole-cell fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c. DNA–DNA hybridization resulted in relatedness values of only 29.6 % (reciprocal 31.3 %) to Chryseobacterium gleum CCUG 14555T, 41.2 % (reciprocal 38.8 %) to C. indologenes CCUG 14556T and 35.4 % (reciprocal 38.5 %) to C. aquifrigidense KCTC 12894T. DNA–DNA relatedness, biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties clearly show that strain CC-VM-7T represents a novel species, for which the name Chryseobacterium arthrosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-VM-7T (=CCUG 57618T =CCM 7645T).

Georgenia soli sp. nov., isolated from iron-ore-contaminated soil in India

A Gram-positive actinobacterium (CC-NMPT-T3T) was isolated from iron-ore-contaminated soil near New Mangalore Port, Karnataka, India. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain CC-NMPT-T3T belongs to the genus Georgenia and is most closely related to Georgenia muralis (98.6 %), Georgenia ruanii (97.4 %) and Georgenia thermotolerans (97.4 %). The peptidoglycan is of the type A4α l-Lys←l-Glu. The predominant isoprenoid quinone is menaquinone MK-8(H4) and the polar lipid profile is composed of the predominant compound diphosphatidylglycerol, moderate amounts of a phosphatidylinositol-mannoside, phosphatidylinositol and minor amounts of another phosphatidylmannoside and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids of strain CC-NMPT-T3T are anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The results of DNA–DNA hybridizations, and physiological and biochemical tests allowed a clear phenotypic differentiation of strain CC-NMPT-T3T from all other Georgenia species. Strain CC-NMPT-T3T represents a novel species, for which the name Georgenia soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-NMPT-T3T (=DSM 21838T=CCM 7658T).

Microbacterium agarici sp. nov., Microbacterium humi sp. nov. and Microbacterium pseudoresistens sp. nov., isolated from the base of the mushroom Agaricus blazei

Three Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria (strains CC-SBCK-209T, CC-12309T and CC-5209T) were isolated from the stalk of the edible mushroom Agaricus blazei grown in the laboratory. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that all three isolates clearly belonged to the genus Microbacterium. Strains CC-SBCK-209T and CC-12309T were most related closely to the type strain of Microbacterium halotolerans (95.9 and 96.1 %16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). These two novel strains shared 97.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Levels of similarity to the type strains of all other recognized Microbacterium species were lower than 95.5 %. The third strain (CC-5209T) showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of Microbacterium resistens (97.6 %); levels of similarity to the type strains of all other recognized Microbacterium species were lower than 96 %. The quinone systems of strains CC-SBCK-209T, CC-12309T and CC-5209T consisted of MK-11/MK-12, MK-11/MK-10 and MK-13 as major compounds, respectively. All three strains contained ornithine in their peptidoglycan. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown glycolipid. The polyamine pattern consisted of spermidine and spermine as predominant components. Fatty acid profiles (anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as major components) supported the affiliation of all three strains to the genus Microbacterium. The results of physiological and biochemical tests and DNA–DNA hybridization experiments allowed the clear phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strains CC-SBCK-209T and CC-12309T from M. halotolerans and other closely related Microbacterium species. Strain CC-5209T could be differentiated clearly from M. resistens both genotypically and phenotypically. Based on these data, the novel strains are considered to represent three novel species of the genus Microbacterium. The names proposed for these organisms are Microbacterium agarici sp. nov. [type strain CC-SBCK-209T (=DSM 21798T=CCM 7686T)], Microbacterium humi sp. nov. [type strain CC-12309T (=DSM 21799T=CCM 7687T)] and Microbacterium pseudoresistens sp. nov. [type strain CC-5209T (=DSM 22185T=CCM 7688T)].

Virgibacillus soli sp. nov., isolated from mountain soil

A Gram-positive bacterium (strain CC-YMP-6(T)) was isolated from soil samples collected from Yang-Ming Mountain, Taiwan. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CC-YMP-6(T) clearly belonged to the genus Virgibacillus and was most closely related to the type strains of Virgibacillus halophilus (96.2 % similarity) and Virgibacillus kekensis (96.3 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone MK-7 and the polar lipid profile was composed of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified phospholipid plus moderate amounts of two unidentified aminophospholipids and a phospholipid. The polyamine pattern comprised spermidine as the single major component with spermine and putrescine present in minor amounts. The major fatty acids of strain CC-YMP-6(T) were iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0). The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the clear phenotypic differentiation of strain CC-YMP-6(T) from all recognized species of the genus Virgibacillus. Strain CC-YMP-6(T) is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Virgibacillus, for which the name Virgibacillus soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-YMP-6(T) (=DSM 22952(T)=CCM 7714(T)).

Deefgea chitinilytica sp. nov., isolated from a wetland

A bacterial strain, designated Nsw-4(T), was isolated from a water sample of Niao-Song Wetland Park in Taiwan and was characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain Nsw-4(T) was Gram-negative, aerobic, ivory-coloured, rod-shaped and motile by means of a polar flagellum. Growth occurred at 15-37 degrees C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 0-2 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belonged to the genus Deefgea and that its closest neighbour was Deefgea rivuli WB 3.4-79(T) (96.9 %). The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the clear phenotypic differentiation of this isolate from D. rivuli WB 3.4-79(T). The major fatty acids were C16 : 1omega7c and C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 53.7 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the chemotaxonomic and physiological data, strain Nsw-4(T) should be classified as representing a novel species and the second member of the genus Deefgea, for which the name Deefgea chitinilytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Nsw-4(T) (=BCRC 17934(T)=LMG 24817(T)).

Endozoicomonas montiporae sp. nov., isolated from the encrusting pore coral Montipora aequituberculata

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CL-33(T), was isolated from the encrusting pore coral Montipora aequituberculata collected from seawater off the coast of southern Taiwan. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain clustered closely with Endozoicomonas elysicola MKT110(T) (96.7 % similarity). The novel strain required NaCl for growth and exhibited optimal growth at 25 degrees C and in the presence of 2-3 % NaCl. Predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or C(16 : 1)omega6c; 39.6 %), summed feature 8 (C(18 : 1)omega7c and/or C(18 : 1)omega6c; 32.8 %) and C(16 : 0) (12.0 %). The DNA G+C content of strain CL-33(T) was 50.0 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the clear phenotypic differentiation of this isolate from E. elysicola. It is evident from the genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data presented that strain CL-33(T) represents a novel species of the genus Endozoicomonas, for which the name Endozoicomonas montiporae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CL-33(T) (=LMG 24815(T) =BCRC 17933(T)).

Microlunatus soli sp. nov., isolated from soil

A Gram-stain-positive, coccoid, non-endospore-forming actinobacterium (strain CC-12602(T)) was isolated from a spawn used for growing the edible mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis in the laboratory. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CC-12602(T) was shown to belong to the genus Microlunatus and was related most closely to the type strains of Microlunatus ginsengisoli (96.1 % similarity), M. phosphovorus (95.9 %), M. panaciterrae (95.8 %) and M. aurantiacus (95.5 %). The quinone system comprised menaquinone MK-9(H4) as the major component and the polyamine pattern consisted of spermidine and spermine as major compounds. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and unknown phospholipid PL3. Moderate amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown glycolipid and three unknown phospholipids and minor amounts of an unknown phospholipid and a polar lipid were detected. The peptidoglycan type was A3gamma', based on LL-2,6-diaminopimelic acid with an interpeptide bridge consisting of a single glycine residue and a second glycine residue at position 1 of the peptide subunit. Peptidoglycan structure and major fatty acids (anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0)) supported the affiliation of strain CC-12602(T) to the genus Microlunatus. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain CC-12602(T) to be differentiated phenotypically from recognized Microlunatus species. Strain CC-12602(T) is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Microlunatus, for which the name Microlunatus soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-12602(T) (=DSM 21800(T) =CCM 7685( T)).

Vogesella lacus sp. nov., isolated from a soft-shell turtle culture pond

A non-pigmented, Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, strain GR13(T), was isolated using nutrient agar from a water sample from a pond used for the culture of soft-shell turtles (Trionyx sinensis), Pingtung County, Taiwan. 16S rRNA gene sequence studies indicated that the novel strain formed a monophyletic branch at the periphery of the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Vogesella. Its closest neighbours were Vogesella indigofera ATCC 19706(T) and Vogesella perlucida DS-28(T) (both with 97.4 % gene sequence similarity). The novel isolate could be distinguished from these species by several phenotypic characteristics. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or C(15 : 0) iso 2-OH; 60 %), C(16 : 0) (13.6 %) and C(18 : 1)omega7c (12.5 %). The DNA G+C content of strain GR13(T) was 63 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization values for the novel strain with V. indigofera and V. perlucida were <25 %. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the chemotaxonomic and physiological data, it is concluded that strain GR13(T) represents a novel species in the genus Vogesella, for which the name Vogesella lacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GR13(T) (=BCRC 17836(T)=LMG 24504(T)).