Pseudomonas brenneri sp. nov., a new species isolated from natural mineral waters

Low Bacterial Diversity and Nitrate Levels in Cores from Deep Boreholes in Pristine Karst

This study investigates the nitrate gradients within the deep biosphere of karst carbonate rocks and their resident microbiota. Samples were taken from borehole cores at depths down to 350 m below the surface, collected during geological site investigations for proposed railway tunnels and analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis revealed relatively low microbial diversity, which can serve as a reliable indicator of the pristine nature of deep karst. However, some local hotspots of diversity are independent of depth. Pseudomonadota dominated the samples, with Gammaproteobacteria dominating at the class level. The low nitrate content in deep karst, in contrast to higher values closer to the surface, serves as an additional marker of its undisturbed and unpolluted status. Based on the prediction of functional profiles from 16S rRNA sequencing data, nitrates remain low due to indigenous microbial denitrification and assimilatory nitrate reduction. Pathways related to nitrogen fixation, ammonia assimilation, and nitrification were not confirmed. When elevated nitrate levels are observed in karst, they are most probably related to anthropogenic activities. Environmental factors other than depth and nitrate content play an important role in shaping bacterial communities.

Pseudomonas violetae sp. nov. and Pseudomonas emilianonis sp. nov., two new species with the ability to degrade TNT isolated from soil samples at Deception Island, maritime Antarctica

Two motile, rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, TNT11T and TNT19T, were isolated from soil samples collected at Deception Island, Antarctica. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, both strains belong to the genus Pseudomonas. Further genomic analyses based on ANI and dDDH suggested that these strains were new species. Growth of strain TNT11T is observed at 0-30 ℃ (optimum, 20 ℃), pH 4.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and in the presence of 0-5.0% NaCl (optimum, 1% NaCl), while for TNT19T is observed at 0-30 ℃ (optimum between 15 and 20 ℃), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and in the presence of 0-5.0% NaCl (optimum between 0 and 1% NaCl). The fatty acid profile consists of the major compounds; C16:0 and C16:1 ω6 for TNT11T, and C16:0 and C12:0 for TNT19T. Based on the draft genome sequences, the DNA G + C content for TNT11T is 60.43 mol% and 58.60 mol% for TNT19T. Based on this polyphasic study, TNT11T and TNT19T represent two novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the proposed names are Pseudomonas violetae sp. nov. and Pseudomonas emilianonis sp. nov., respectively. The type strains are Pseudomonas violetae TNT11T (= RGM 3443T = LMG 32959T) and Pseudomonas emilianonis TNT19T (= RGM 3442T = LMG 32960T). Strains TNT11T and TNT19T were deposited to CChRGM and BCCM/LMG with entry numbers RGM 3443/LMG 32959 and RGM 3442/LMG 32960, respectively.

Taxonomic characterization of Pseudomonas hygromyciniae sp. nov., a novel species discovered from a commercially purchased antibiotic

In an attempt to identify novel bacterial species, microbiologists have examined a wide range of environmental niches. We describe the serendipitous discovery of a novel gram-negative bacterial species from a different type of extreme niche: a purchased vial of antibiotic. The vial of antibiotic hygromycin B was found to be factory contaminated with a bacterial species, which we designate Pseudomonas hygromyciniae sp. nov. The proposed novel species belongs to the P. fluorescens complex and is most closely related to P. brenneri, P. proteolytica, and P. fluorescens. The type strain Pseudomonas hygromyciniae sp. nov. strain SDM007T (SDM007T) harbors a novel 250 kb megaplasmid which confers resistance to hygromycin B and contains numerous other genes predicted to encode replication and conjugation machinery. SDM007T grows in hygromycin concentrations of up to 5 mg/mL but does not use the antibiotic as a carbon or nitrogen source. While unable to grow at 37°C ruling out its ability to infect humans, it grows and survives at temperatures between 4 and 30°C. SDM007T can infect plants, as demonstrated by the lettuce leaf model, and is highly virulent in the Galleria mellonella infection model but is unable to infect mammalian A549 cells. These findings indicate that commercially manufactured antibiotics represent another extreme environment that may support the growth of novel bacterial species. IMPORTANCE Physical and biological stresses in extreme environments may select for bacteria not found in conventional environments providing researchers with the opportunity to not only discover novel species but to uncover new enzymes, biomolecules, and biochemical pathways. This strategy has been successful in harsh niches such as hot springs, deep ocean trenches, and hypersaline brine pools. Bacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas species are often found to survive in these unusual environments, making them relevant to healthcare, food, and manufacturing industries. Their ability to survive in a variety of environments is mainly due to the high genotypic and phenotypic diversity displayed by this genus. In this study, we discovered a novel Pseudomonas sp. from a desiccated environment of a sealed antibiotic bottle that was considered sterile. A close genetic relationship with its phylogenetic neighbors reiterated the need to use not just DNA-based tools but also biochemical characteristics to accurately classify this organism.

Microbial Communities of Seawater and Coastal Soil of Russian Arctic Region and Their Potential for Bioremediation from Hydrocarbon Pollutants

The development of Arctic regions leads to pollution of marine and coastal environments with oil and petroleum products. The purpose of this work was to determine the diversity of microbial communities in seawater, as well as in littoral and coastal soil, and the potential ability of their members to degrade hydrocarbons degradation and to isolate oil-degrading bacteria. Using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, the dominance of bacteria in polar communities was shown, the proportion of archaea did not exceed 2% (of the total number of sequences in the libraries). Archaea inhabiting the seawater belonged to the genera Nitrosopumilus and Nitrosoarchaeum and to the Nitrososphaeraceae family. In the polluted samples, members of the Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Actinomycetes classes predominated; bacteria of the classes Bacteroidia, Clostridia, Acidimicrobiia, Planctomycetia, and Deltaproteobacteria were less represented. Using the iVikodak program and KEGG database, the potential functional characteristics of the studied prokaryotic communities were predicted. Bacteria were potentially involved in nitrogen and sulfur cycles, in degradation of benzoate, terephthalate, fatty acids, and alkanes. A total of 19 strains of bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Oceanisphaera, Shewanella, Paeniglutamicibacter, and Rhodococcus were isolated from the studied samples. Among them were psychrotolerant and psychrophilic bacteria growing in seawater and utilizing crude oil, diesel fuel, and motor oils. The data obtained suggest that the studied microbial communities could participate in the removal of hydrocarbons from arctic seawater and coastal soils and suggested the possibility of the application of the isolates for the bioaugmentation of oil-contaminated polar environments.

Pseudomonas spp.: Are Food Grade Organic Acids Efficient against These Spoilage Microorganisms in Fresh Cheeses?

Psychrotolerant Pseudomonas spp. are among the most common spoilage agents in fresh, soft and semi-soft cheeses; therefore, hurdles inhibiting their growth are in strong demand by producers. This study aimed to establish Minimal Inhibiting Concentrations (MICs) of lactic and acetic acid towards P. fluorescens and to evaluate the efficacy of a cheese surface treatment with these two organic acids. MICs were determined in Brain Heart Infusion broth at 30 °C: the inhibition was achieved at a concentration of 49.96 mM and 44.40 mM of acetic and lactic acid, respectively. Two series of inhibition tests were performed on fresh “Primo sale” cheese, inoculated with P. brenneri MGM3, then dipped into different acid solutions (acetic acid: 49.96, 99.92 and 149.88 mM; lactic acid: 44.40, 88.80 and 133.20 mM) and stored at 6 °C. P. brenneri MGM3 were enumerated, including a control series. A significantly lower growth was revealed at the highest concentrations tested, both for acetic (p < 0.01) and lactic acid (p < 0.05) if compared to control samples. A conditioning of “Primo sale” surface with organic acid solutions could be a useful hurdle for Pseudomonas inhibition and shelf-life extension; it should be applied in combination with other mild interventions to fight spoilage and maintain the original product characteristics.

Pseudomonas edaphica sp. nov., isolated from rhizospheric soil of Cistus ladanifer L. in Spain

During a study on biodiversity of bacteria inhabiting rhizospheric soil of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.), we isolated a strain coded RD25^T in a soil from Northern Spain. The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed 99.5 % identity with respect to the closest related species Pseudomonas brenneri DSM15294^T, and 99.4 % with respect to P. paralactis WS4672^T. The following related Pseudomonas species showed 99.3 % or less identity, and therefore RD25^T was classified within genus Pseudomonas. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and the housekeeping genes rpoB, rpoD and gyrB suggested that this strain could be a novel species. The strain RD25^T has several polar-subpolar flagella. It can grow at 36 °C, at 0-6 % NaCl concentration and a range of pH 5-9. Positive for arginine dihydrolase and urease production, and negative for reduction of nitrate. The strain is catalase and oxidase positive. Major fatty acids are C_16 : 1 ω7c / C_16 : 1 ω6c in summed feature 3, C_16 : 0, and C_18 : 1 ω7c / C_18 : 1 ω6c in summed feature 8. The respiratory ubiquinone is Q9. The DNA G+C content was 59.9 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridisation average values (dDDH) ranged between 30-61.2 % relatedness and the ANIb values ranged between 93.9-80.5 % with respect to the type strains of the closely related species. Therefore, the genotypic, genomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the classification of strain RD25 as a novel species of genus Pseudomonas, for which the name P. edaphica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RD25^T (=LMG 30152^T=CECT 9373^T).

Variation of the Pseudomonas community structure on oak leaf lettuce during storage detected by culture-dependent and -independent methods

The genus Pseudomonas plays an important role in the lettuce leaf microbiota and certain species can induce spoilage. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and diversity of Pseudomonas spp. on oak leaf lettuce and to follow their community shift during a six day cold storage with culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. In total, 21 analysed partial Pseudomonas 16S rRNA gene sequences matched closely (> 98.3%) to the different reference strain sequences, which were distributed among 13 different phylogenetic groups or subgroups within the genus Pseudomonas. It could be shown that all detected Pseudomonas species belonged to the P. fluorescens lineage. In the culture-dependent analysis, 73% of the isolates at day 0 and 79% of the isolates at day 6 belonged to the P. fluorescens subgroup. The second most frequent group, with 12% of the isolates, was the P. koreensis subgroup. This subgroup was only detected at day 0. In the culture-independent analysis the P. fluorescens subgroup and P. extremaustralis could not be differentiated by RFLP. Both groups were most abundant and amounted to approximately 46% at day 0 and 79% at day 6. The phytopathogenic species P. salmonii, P. viridiflava and P. marginalis increased during storage. Both approaches identified the P. fluorescens group as the main phylogenetic group. The results of the present study suggest that pseudomonads found by plating methods indeed represent the most abundant part of the Pseudomonas community on oak leaf lettuce.

Pseudomonas yamanorum sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from a subantarctic environment

A psychrotolerant strain, 8H1T, was isolated from soil samples collected in Isla de los Estados, Ushuaia, Argentina. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, straight rods, occurring singly or in pairs, non-spore-forming and motile by means of two polar flagella. The isolate was able to grow in the range 4–35 °C, with optimum growth at 28 °C. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c). The polar lipid pattern of strain 8H1T comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown phospholipid. Ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) was the predominant lipoquinone. The DNA G+C content was 59.8 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogeny suggested the affiliation of strain 8H1T to the ‘Pseudomonas fluorescens group’, displaying ≥98.5 % sequence similarity to 29 type strains. A multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) study performed by concatenating 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoD and rpoB gene sequences showed that isolate 8H1T could be discriminated from closely related species of the genus Pseudomonas and placed in the ‘Pseudomonas gessardii subgroup’, including the species with the highest MLSA sequence similarities: Pseudomonas brenneri (96.2 %), P. gessardii (96.1 %), P. proteolytica (96.0 %), P. meridiana (96.0 %) and P. mucidolens (95.4 %). DNA–DNA hybridization analysis between 8H1T and the type strains of these closely related species revealed relatedness values of 27.0, 8.8, 41.2, 39.7 and 46.1 %, respectively. These results, together with differences in several phenotypic features, support the classification of a novel species, for which the name Pseudomonas yamanorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 8H1T ( = DSM 26522T = CCUG 63249T = LMG 27247T).

Aerobic and anoxic growth and nitrate removal capacity of a marine denitrifying bacterium isolated from a recirculation aquaculture system

Bacterial biofilters used in marine recirculation aquaculture systems need improvements to enhance nitrogen removal efficiency. Relatively little is known about biofilter autochthonous population structure and function. The present study was aimed at isolating and characterizing an autochthonous denitrifying bacterium from a marine biofilter installed at a recirculation aquaculture system. Colonization of four different media in a marine fish farm was followed by isolation of various denitrifying strains and molecular classification of the most promising one, strain T2, as a novel member of the Pseudomonas fluorescens cluster. This strain exhibits high metabolic versatility regarding N and C source utilization and environmental conditions for growth. It removed nitrate through aerobic assimilatory metabolism at a specific rate of 116.2 mg NO(3)-N g dw(-1) h(-1). Dissimilatory NO(3)-N removal was observed under oxic conditions at a limited rate, where transient NO(2)-N formed represented 22% (0.17 mg L(-1)) of the maximum transient NO(2)-N observed under anoxic conditions. Dissimilatory NO(3)-N removal under anoxic conditions occurred at a specific rate of 53.5 mg NO(3)-N g dw(-1) h(-1). The isolated denitrifying strain was able to colonize different materials, such as granular activated carbon (GAC), Filtralite and Bioflow plastic rings, which allow the development of a prototype bioreactor for strain characterization under dynamic conditions and mimicking fish-farm operating conditions.

Composition of the bacterial population of refrigerated beef, identified with direct 16S rRNA gene analysis and pure culture technique

The composition of the dominating population of freshly cut beef, and beef stored at 4 degrees C for 8 d, was studied by direct analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing) and compared with pure culture technique where the isolates picked from the viable plate count were identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The composition of the bacterial population was recorded at two different time points, at the start when the viable plate count of the meat was 4 x 10(2) colony forming unit (cfu) per cm(2) and when it was 5 x 10(7) cfu per cm(2). Direct gene analysis by PCR amplification generated 30 clones, and 79 isolates were picked from the plate count, and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At the low initial bacterial load of the beef, the two sampling strategies showed variations in the composition of species. Direct 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed a domination of Bacillus-like sequences while no such sequences were found in isolates from the viable plate count. Instead the population of the plate count was dominated by Chryseobacterium spp. In contrast, the two sampling strategies matched on the multiplying beef population, where both methods indicated Pseudomonas spp. as the dominating group (99% of the population-sequences), irrespectively of sampling strategy. Pseudomonas panacis/Pseudomons brennerii was the dominating taxon (99% similarity to type strain), but sequences with highest similarity to Pseudomonas lundensis (99%), Pseudomonas beteli (99%) and Pseudomonas koreensis (100%) were also found.

Pseudomonas pohangensis sp. nov., isolated from seashore sand in Korea

A novel bacterium, designated strain H3-R18(T), was isolated from seashore sand collected from Homi cape, Pohang city, Korea. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, cream-coloured, mesophilic and slightly halotolerant. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the organism was a member of the genus Pseudomonas, but the sequence showed < or =96.3 % sequence similarity to that of the type strains of all recognized Pseudomonas species. Highest sequence similarities were to Pseudomonas brenneri CFML 97-391(T) (96.3 %) and Pseudomonas migulae CIP 105470(T) (96.3 %). The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 and C(16 : 0), with lesser amounts of C(12 : 0), C(12 : 0) 3-OH, C(18 : 1)omega7c and C(14 : 0). The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-9. The DNA G+C content was 64.0 mol%. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and genetic properties of strain H3-R18(T) suggest that it represents a novel species, for which the name Pseudomonas pohangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H3-R18(T) (=KACC 11517(T)=DSM 17875(T)).

Culture free DGGE and cloning based monitoring of changes in bacterial communities of salad due to processing

To assess the possibilities of a culture-independent monitoring of bacterial communities in the food chain, samples of salad from farming sites as well as corresponding, processed products in stores were analysed. The bacterial DNA was extracted using a modified soil extraction protocol. Amplification of 16S rDNA was carried out using primers specific for eubacteria and enterobacteriaceae. Fingerprints of 200/370 bp respectively were obtained by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis following PCR and nested PCR amplification. In parallel to DGGE analysis, clone libraries containing PCR fragments of the ribosomal gene were constructed and clones were screened by DGGE. DGGE analysis indicated a high diversity of bacterial communities in salad samples. Fingerprints indicated clearly reduced diversity of bacterial communities in processed samples from markets compared to field-grown salads. Surprisingly, primers pointed out in literature as specific for enterobacteriaceae did amplify pseudomonadeceae as well. Therefore, the more specific primers fD2 and rP1 were used subsequently in this study to amplify specific members of the family enterobacteriaceae. A total of 11 different 16S rDNA sequences were obtained and subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic affiliation. Sequences derived from the eubacterial clone library from organically farmed salad were affiliated to the family microbacteriaceae and pseudomonadaceae. In addition, a potential new genus within the family of enterobacteriaceae was detected. Furthermore, a sequence showing 98.9% similarity to Pseudomonas libaniensis (fluorescence subgroup) was found in a processed salad sample but not in the corresponding field samples. This species is generally known as an opportunistic pathogen. Whereas molecular based monitoring of bacterial communities in food still may need more experience and standardisation to detect specific bacteria present, the monitoring strategy presented in this paper, combining DGGE analysis with the construction of clone libraries, is an attractive method for culture-independent monitoring of changes of bacterial communities in the food chain.

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.

Diversity of bacteria growing in natural mineral water after bottling

Bacterial growth occurs in noncarbonated natural mineral waters a few days after filling and storage at room temperature, a phenomenon known for more than 40 years. Using the full-cycle rRNA approach, we monitored the development of the planktonic bacterial community in a noncarbonated natural mineral water after bottling. Seven 16S rRNA gene libraries, comprising 108 clones in total, were constructed from water samples taken at various days after bottling and from two different bottle sizes. Sequence analyses identified 11 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), all but one affiliated with the betaproteobacterial order Burkholderiales (6 OTUs) or the class Alphaproteobacteria (4 OTUs). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied in combination with DAPI (4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining, viability staining, and microscopic counting to quantitatively monitor changes in bacterial community composition. A growth curve similar to that of a bacterium grown in a batch culture was recorded. In contrast to the current perception that Gammaproteobacteria are the most important bacterial components of natural mineral water in bottles, Betaproteobacteria dominated the growing bacterial community and accounted for 80 to 98% of all bacteria detected by FISH in the late-exponential and stationary-growth phases. Using previously published and newly designed genus-specific probes, members of the betaproteobacterial genera Hydrogenophaga, Aquabacterium, and Polaromonas were found to constitute a significant proportion of the bacterial flora (21 to 86% of all bacteria detected by FISH). For the first time, key genera responsible for bacterial growth in a natural mineral water were identified by applying molecular cultivation-independent techniques.

Psychrophilic pseudomonads from Antarctica: Pseudomonas antarctica sp. nov., Pseudomonas meridiana sp. nov. and Pseudomonas proteolytica sp. nov

Thirty-one bacteria that belonged to the genus Pseudomonas were isolated from cyanobacterial mat samples that were collected from various water bodies in Antarctica. All 31 isolates were psychrophilic; they could be divided into three groups, based on their protein profiles. Representative strains of each of the three groups, namely CMS 35T, CMS 38T and CMS 64T, were studied in detail. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it was established that the strains were related closely to the Pseudomonas fluorescens group. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics further confirmed their affiliation to this group. The three strains could also be differentiated from each other and the closely related species Pseudomonas orientalis, Pseudomonas brenneri and Pseudomonas migulae, based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and the level of DNA–DNA hybridization. Therefore, it is proposed that strains CMS 35T (=MTCC 4992T=DSM 15318T), CMS 38T (=MTCC 4993T=DSM 15319T) and CMS 64T (=MTCC 4994T=DSM 15321T) should be assigned to novel species of the genus Pseudomonas as Pseudomonas antarctica sp. nov., Pseudomonas meridiana sp. nov. and Pseudomonas proteolytica sp. nov., respectively.

Microbiological safety of natural mineral water

Natural mineral water originates from groundwater, an oligotrophic ecosystem where the level of organic matter is low and of a very limited bioavailability. The bacterial populations that evolve in these ecosystems are heterotrophic and in starvation-survival state resulting from an insufficient amount of nutrients; for this reason they enter a viable but non-culturable state. After bottling, the number of viable counts increases rapidly, attaining 10(4)-10(5) colony-forming units ml(-1) within 3-7 days. These bacterial communities, identified by culture or with specific probes, are primarily aerobic, saprophytic, Gram-negative rods. Groundwater sources for natural mineral waters are selected such that they are not vulnerable to fecal contamination. Ecological data, especially the diversity and physiological properties of bacterial communities, are essential together with epidemiological studies in order to perform a risk analysis for natural mineral waters. On a continuing basis, the management of microbial risks has to rely on assessment of the heterotrophic plate count and, more specially, on detection of marker organisms, i.e. the classic fecal contamination indicators that have to be absent, and vulnerability indicators for which the occurrence should be as low as possible. It is also recommended to search regularly, but not routinely, for viral and protozoan pathogens.