Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov.: a New Multidrug-Resistant Species Isolated from a Patient in Brazil

To increase knowledge on Brevundimonas pathogens, we conducted in-depth genomic and phenotypic characterization of a Brevundimonas strain isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit. The strain was identified as a member of the genus Brevundimonas based on Vitek 2 system results and 16S rRNA gene sequencing and presented a multidrug resistance profile (MDR). Several molecular and biochemical tests were used to characterize and identify the species for in-depth results. The draft genome assembly of the isolate has a total length of 3,261,074 bp and a G+C of 66.86%, similar to other species of the genus. Multilocus sequence analysis, Type (Strain) Genome Server, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and average nucleotide identity confirmed that the Brevundimonas sp. studied represents a distinct species, for which we propose the name Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov. In silico analysis detected antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs) mediating resistance to β-lactams (penP, blaTEM-16, and blaBKC-1) and aminoglycosides [strA, strB, aac(6')-Ib, and aac(6')-Il]. We also found AMRGs encoding the AcrAB efflux pump that confers resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Colistin and quinolone resistance can be attributed to mutation in qseC and/or phoP and GyrA/GyrB, respectively. The Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov. genome contained copies of type IV secretion system (T4SS)-type integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs); integrative mobilizable elements (IME); and Tn3-type and IS3, IS6, IS5, and IS1380 families, suggesting an important role in the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The isolate presented a range of virulence-associated genes related to biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion that can be relevant for its pathogenicity. Our findings provide a wealth of data to hinder the transmission of MDR Brevundimonas and highlight the need for monitoring and identifying new bacterial species in hospital environments. IMPORTANCE Brevundimonas species is considered an opportunistic human pathogen that can cause multiple types of invasive and severe infections in patients with underlying pathologies. Treatment of these pathogens has become a major challenge because many isolates are resistant to most antibiotics used in clinical practice. Furthermore, there are no consistent therapeutic results demonstrating the efficacy of antibacterial agents. Although considered a rare pathogen, recent studies have provided evidence of the emergence of Brevundimonas in clinical settings. Hence, we identified a novel pathogenic bacterium, Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov., that presented a multidrug resistance (MDR) profile and carried diverse genes related to drug resistance, virulence, and mobile genetic elements. Such data can serve as a baseline for understanding the genomic diversity, adaptation, evolution, and pathogenicity of MDR Brevundimonas.

Combined partial denitrification-anammox with urea hydrolysis (U-PD-Anammox) process: A novel economical low-carbon method for nitrate-containing wastewater treatment

For the sake of exploring a new economical and low-carbon alternative for real nitrate-containing wastewater treatment, a new combined partial denitrification-anammox with urea hydrolysis (U-PD-Anammox) process was developed. The nitrogen removal performance of this process was investigated through long-term operation in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and two submerged anaerobic biological filters (SABF). Results showed that the average NO₃^--N to NO₂^-N transformation ratio improved to 82.6% with organic carbon source to NO₃^-N ratio of 1.8, and urea hydrolysis provided sufficient NH₄⁺-N and inorganic carbon to anammox process for nitrogen removal. The influent NH₄⁺-N/NO₂^--N ratio for subsequent anammox reactor could be adjacent to the optimal ratio of 1.32 during the whole operation. The combined process showed efficient nitrogen removal performance with 85% NO₃^--N removal, 93.8% total nitrogen removal and total nitrogen loading rate as 1.1 ± 0.5 kg N/(m³·d). High-throughput sequencing analysis results revealed that Genera Thauera, Hyphomicrobium and Candidatus Brocadia were the dominant species responsible for partial denitrification, urea hydrolysis and anammox, respectively. The proposed process was more economically and environmental-friendly than the traditional denitrification process with 51.7% operational cost reduction, 99.7% N₂O and 60% CO₂ emission decrement, facilitating the sustainable development of the nitrate-containing wastewater treatment industry in the future.

Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals Potential Pathogenicity and Slow-Growth Characteristics of Genus Brevundimonas and Description of Brevundimonas pishanensis sp. nov

The genus Brevundimonas consists of Gram-negative bacteria widely distributed in environment and can cause human infections. However, the genomic characteristics and pathogenicity of Brevundimonas remain poorly studied. Here, the whole-genome features of 24 Brevundimonas type strains were described. Brevundimonas spp. had relatively small genomes (3.13 ± 0.29 Mb) within the family Caulobacteraceae but high G+C contents (67.01 ± 2.19 mol%). Two-dimensional hierarchical clustering divided those genomes into 5 major clades, in which clades II and V contained nine and five species, respectively. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis showed a one-to-one match between core and accessory genomes, which suggested coevolution of species within the genus Brevundimonas. The unique genes were annotated to biological functions like catalytic activity, signaling and cellular processes, multisubstance metabolism, etc. The majority of Brevundimonas spp. harbored virulence-associated genes icl, tufA, kdsA, htpB, and acpXL, which encoded isocitrate lyase, elongation factor, 2-dehydro-3-deoxyphosphooctonate aldolase, heat shock protein, and acyl carrier protein, respectively. In addition, genomic islands (GIs) and phages/prophages were identified within the Brevundimonas genus. Importantly, a novel Brevundimonas species was identified from the feces of a patient (suffering from diarrhea) by the analyses of biochemical characteristics, phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) sequences, and genomic data. The name Brevundimonas pishanensis sp. nov. was proposed, with type strain CHPC 1.3453 (= GDMCC 1.2503^T= KCTC 82824^T). Brevundimonas spp. also showed obvious slow growth compared with that of Escherichia coli. Our study reveals insights into genomic characteristics and potential virulence-associated genes of Brevundimonas spp., and provides a basis for further intensive study of the pathogenicity of Brevundimonas.

IMPORTANCEBrevundimonas spp., a group of bacteria from the family Caulobacteraceae, is associated with nosocomial infections, deserve widespread attention. Our study elucidated genes potentially associated with the pathogenicity of the Brevundimonas genus. We also described some new characteristics of Brevundimonas spp., such as small chromosome size, high G+C content, and slow-growth phenotypes, which made the Brevundimonas genus a good model organism for in-depth studies of growth rate traits. Apart from the comparative analysis of the genomic features of the Brevundimonas genus, we also reported a novel Brevundimonas species, Brevundimonas pishanensis, from the feces of a patient with diarrhea. Our study promotes the understanding of the pathogenicity characteristics of Brevundimonas species bacteria.

Efficacy of organic peroxyacids for eliminating biofilm preformed by microorganisms isolated from dairy processing plants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of microorganisms isolated from the dairy industry to form biofilms and to investigate the efficacity of organic peroxyacids (peracetic, perpropionic and perlactic acids and BioDestroy®) to eradicate those biofilms. Eighteen microorganisms were isolated from Quebec dairy processing plants that have issues associated with biofilm formation and were presumptively identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The single-species biofilm-producing ability of the isolates was then evaluated using 96-well microplates. Eight out of eighteen (8/18) of these isolates were identified as moderate or strong biofilm producers, and ten out of eighteen (10/18) resulted as negative or weak biofilm producers. The efficacy of above-mentioned disinfectants was tested on the stronger biofilm producing bacteria using the MBEC (Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration) assay. After 5 min, all the disinfectants tested successfully eradicated both the single and mixed biofilms when applied following the recommended concentration. However, the efficacy of organic peroxyacids was significantly variable at lower concentrations. For example, 25 ppm of BioDestroy® were sufficient to eradicate all the biofilms, except for Pseudomonas azotoformans PFl1A. Unfortunately, microscopic observations highlighted those dead cells were still attached to the surfaces. In conclusion, our results suggest that some microorganisms found in dairy plants can produce tenacious biofilms that are, however, still susceptible to disinfectants, including organic peroxyacids. Further studies would be needed in order to confirm these observations using a dynamic method to mimic in vivo conditions. IMPORTANCE Biofilm forming microorganisms are a major issue in the food industry, including dairy industry, because of their negative impact on products quality. Biofilms are difficult to remove by clean-in-place (CIP) procedures commonly used in processing plants and may be less sensitive to sanitizers. Therefore, it is important to identify these microorganisms, in order to develop biofilm control strategies. The results gathered in the present study could contribute to this aim, even though it was carried out using only static methods.

Pyomelanin-Producing Brevundimonas vitisensis sp. nov., Isolated From Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)

A novel endophytic bacterial strain, designated GR-TSA-9^T, was isolated from surface-sterilized grape (Vitis vinifera L.). 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that the isolate was grouped within the genus Brevundimonas, displaying the highest similarity with Brevundimonas lenta DS-18^T (97.9%) and Brevundimonas kwangchunensis KSL-102^T (97.8%) and less than 97.5% similarity with other members of Brevundimonas. The strain GR-TSA-9^T was a gram negative, rod shaped, facultatively anaerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, and motile bacterium. Its growth occurred at 10–37°C (optimally 25–30°C), at pH 7.0–8.0, and in NaCl 0–1% (optimally 0%). It contained ubiquinone-10 as a respiratory quinone, and the major cellular fatty acids (>10% of the total) were C_16:0 (14.2%) and summed feature 8 (C_18:1ω7c and/or C_18:1ω6c, 65.6%). The polar lipids present in the strain were phosphoglycolipids, phosphatidylglycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol, and unidentified lipids (L1, L2, and L4). The strain had one 2,976,716bp circular chromosome with a G+C content of 66.4%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain GR-TSA-9^T and B. lenta DS-18^T was 20.9%, while the average nucleotide identity value was 76.7%. In addition, the dDDH and ANI values to other members in this genus, whose genome sequences are available, are less than 21.1 and 77.6%. Genome annotation predicted the presence of some gene clusters related to tyrosine degradation and pyomelanin formation. Strain GR-TSA-9^T produced a brown melanin-like pigment in the presence of L-tyrosine-containing media. The highest pigment production (0.19g/L) was observed in tryptic soy broth with 1.0mg/ml L-tyrosine at 25°C for 6days of culture. Biophysical characterization by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry confirmed that the pigment was pyomelanin. Additionally, melanized GR-TSA-9^T cells could protect the cells against UVC exposure. The phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features indicated that strain GR-TSA-9^T represents a novel melanin-producing species of Brevundimonas. The type strain was GR-TSA-9^T (KCTC 82386^T=CGMCC 1.18820^T).

Genome-Based Taxonomy of Brevundimonas with Reporting Brevundimonas huaxiensis sp. nov

Brevundimonas is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria widely distributed in nature and is also an opportunistic pathogen causing health care-associated infections. Brevundimonas strain 090558T was recovered from a blood culture of a cancer patient and was subjected to genome sequencing and analysis. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between 090558T and type strains of Brevundimonas species were 78.76% to 93.94% and 19.8% to 53.9%, respectively, below the cutoff to define bacterial species. Detailed phenotypic tests were performed, suggesting that 090558T can be differentiated from other Brevundimonas species by its ability to assimilate sodium acetate but not to utilize glucose, trypsin, or β-glucosidase. Strain 090558T (GDMCC 1.1871T or KCTC 82165T) therefore represents a novel Brevundimonas species, for which the name Brevundimonas huaxiensis sp. nov. is proposed. All Brevundimonas genomes available in GenBank (accessed on 25 January 2021) were retrieved, discarding those labeled "excluded from RefSeq" by GenBank, and included 82 genomes for precise species curation. In addition to the 21 Brevundimonas species with genomes of type strains available, we identified 29 Brevundimonas taxa that either belong to the 12 Brevundimonas species without available genomes of type strains or represent novel species. We found that more than half (57.3%) of the 82 Brevundimonas genomes need to be corrected for species assignation, including species mislabeling of a type strain. Our analysis highlights the complexity of Brevundimonas taxonomy. We also found that only some Brevundimonas species are associated with human infections, and more studies are warranted to understand their pathogenicity and epidemiology. IMPORTANCEBrevundimonas is a genus of the family Caulobacteraceae and comprises 33 species. Brevundimonas can cause various infections but remains poorly studied. In this study, we reported a novel Brevundimonas species, Brevundimonas huaxiensis, based on genome and phenotype studies of strain 090558T recovered from human blood. We then examined the species assignations of all Brevundimonas genomes (n = 82) in GenBank and found that in addition to the known Brevundimonas species with genome sequences of type strains available, there are 29 Brevundimonas taxa based on genome analysis, which need to be further studied using phenotype-based methods to establish their species status. Our study significantly updates the taxonomy of Brevundimonas and enhances our understanding of this genus of clinical relevance. The findings also encourage future studies on the characterization of novel Brevundimonas species.

Living in a Puddle of Mud: Isolation and Characterization of Two Novel Caulobacteraceae Strains Brevundimonas pondensis sp. nov. and Brevundimonas goettingensis sp. nov

Brevundimonas is a genus of freshwater bacteria belonging to the family Caulobacteraceae. The present study describes two novel species of the genus Brevundimonas (LVF1T and LVF2T). Both were genomically, morphologically, and physiologically characterized. Average nucleotide identity analysis revealed both are unique among known Brevundimonas strains. In silico and additional ProphageSeq analyses resulted in two prophages in the LVF1T genome and a remnant prophage in the LVF2T genome. Bacterial LVF1T cells form an elliptical morphotype, in average 1 µm in length and 0.46 µm in width, with a single flagellum. LVF2T revealed motile cells approximately 1.6 µm in length and 0.6 µm in width with a single flagellum, and sessile cell types 1.3 µm in length and 0.6 µm in width. Both are Gram-negative, aerobic, have optimal growth at 30 °C (up to 0.5 to 1% NaCl). Both are resistant towards erythromycin, meropenem, streptomycin, tetracycline and vancomycin. Anaerobic growth was observed after 14 days for LVF1T only. For LVF1T the name Brevundimonas pondensis sp. nov. and for LVF2T the name Brevundimonas goettingensis sp. nov. are proposed. Type strains are LVF1T (=DSM 112304T = CCUG 74982T = LMG 32096T) and LVF2T (=DSM 112305T = CCUG 74983T = LMG 32097T).

Terricaulis silvestris gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel prosthecate, budding member of the family Caulobacteraceae isolated from forest soil

The family Caulobacteraceae comprises prosthecate bacteria with a dimorphic cell cycle and also non-prosthecate bacteria. Cells of all described species divide by binary fission. Strain 0127_4T was isolated from forest soil in Baden Württemberg (Germany) and determined to be the first representative of the family Caulobacteraceae which divided by budding. Cells of strain 0127_4T were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, prosthecate, motile by means of a polar flagellum, non-spore-forming and non-capsulated. The strain formed small white colonies and grew aerobically and chemo-organotrophically utilizing organic acids, amino acids and proteinaceous substrates. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that this bacterium was related to Aquidulcibacter paucihalophilus TH1-2T and Asprobacter aquaticus DRW22-8T with 91.3 and 89.7% sequence similarity, respectively. Four unidentified glycolipids were detected as the major polar lipids and, unlike all described members of the family Caulobacteraceae , phosphatidylglycerol was absent. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c/C16 : 0 10-methyl), C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c). The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63.5 %. Based on the present taxonomic characterization, strain 0127_4T represents a novel species of a new genus, Terricaulis silvestris gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Terricaulis silvestris is 0127_4T (=DSM 104635T=CECT 9243T).

Description of Ornithinibacillus gellani sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from lake sediment, and emended description of the genus Ornithinibacillus

A Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain LJ137^T, was isolated from the sediment of Taihu Lake in China. A polyphasic approach was used to investigate its taxonomic position. Strain LJ137^T grew optimally at pH 7.5, at 37 °C and with 2.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain LJ137^T was most closely related to the genera Ornithinibacillus and Oceanobacillus. The closest phylogenetic neighbours were Ornithinibacillus halophilus KCTC 13822^T, Ornithinibacillus salinisoli LCB256^T and Oceanobacillus limi KCTC 13823^T, with 95.2, 96.5 and 95.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. The peptidoglycan amino acid type was A4α (l-Lys-d-Asp). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The polar lipids of strain LJ137^T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids, two aminophospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.4 mol%. The dominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C_15 : 0, anteiso-C_17 : 0 and iso-C_15 : 0. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genome sequence characteristics of this strain, a novel species, Ornithinibacillus gellani sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is LJ137^T (=CGMCC 1.13678^T=NBRC 113552^T). An emended description of the genus Ornithinibacillus is presented.

Brevundimonas spp: Emerging global opportunistic pathogens

Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria are problematic in clinical locations, being one of the most prevalent causes of nosocomial infections. Many of these non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria are opportunistic pathogens that affect patients that are suffering with underlying medical conditions and diseases. Brevundimonas spp., in particular Brevundimonas diminuta and Brevundimonas vesicularis, are a genus of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria considered of minor clinical importance. Forty-nine separate instances of infection relating to Brevundimonas spp were found in the scientific literature along with two pseudo-infections. The majority of these instances were infection with Brevundimonas vesicularis (thirty-five cases – 71%). The major condition associated with Brevundimonas spp infection was bacteraemia with seventeen individual cases/outbreaks (35%). This review identified forty-nine examples of Brevundimonas spp. infections have been discussed in the literature. These findings indicate that infection review programs should consider investigation of possible Brevundimonas spp outbreaks if these bacteria are clinically isolated in more than one patient.

Brevundimonas humi sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from forest soil

During a study of bacterial diversity of soil, a novel strain, CA-15^T, was isolated from Kyonggi University forest soil. Cells were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, oxidase-positive and catalase- negative. Tyrosine was not oxidized but produced red pigmentation on an agar palte. Strain CA-15^T hydrolysed Tween 60 and DNA. It grew at 15-35 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, 7.0-9.0) and at 1.5 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CA-15^T formed a lineage within the family Caulobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria that was distinct from various species of the genus Brevundimonas. Brevundimonas bullata DSM 7126^T was the closest member of strain CA-15^T on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.48 %). Q-10 was only an isoprenoid quinone detected for strain CA-15^T. The major polar lipids were 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-αd-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[αd-glucopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-αd-glucopyranuronosylglycerol, 1,2-diacyl-3-O-[6'-phosphatidyl-αd-glucopyranosyl]glycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl and C17 : 1ω8c. The DNA G+C content of strain CA-15^T was 63.6 mol%. The polyphasic characterization indicated that strain CA-15^T represents a novel species in the genus Brevundimonas, for which the name Brevundimonas humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Brevundimonas humi is CA-15^T (=KEMB 9005-528^T=KACC 19106^T=NBRC 112677^T).

Selection of a Very Active Microbial Community for the Coupled Treatment of Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide and Photoresist in Aqueous Solutions

Aerobic treatment of wastewater containing Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and photoresist was investigated using a lab scale reactor inoculated with activated sludge coming from urban wastewater treatment that never received TMAH before. The consumption of TMAH was monitored by liquid ion chromatography. Biodiversity indices were calculated from Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) bands distribution and used to estimate changes in community composition related to adaptation to the new feeding compound. The first week of adaptation was crucial, and it was analyzed in detail: many organisms died, and the microbial community suffered a great shock. TMAH levels remained constant through the first four days, and then suddenly dropped to undetectable, and at the same time NH₄⁺ increased. When the community showed complete adaptation, predominant groups of bacteria were obtained by the Illumina sequencing of 16s rDNA amplicons, to provide insights on ecology of the adapted community, focusing on the main actors of TMAH abatement. Richness of species (Rr) peaks suggest that the development of TMAH-consuming bacteria leads to persistent consortia that maintain toxicity resistance over time. This showed adaptation and changes of the population to the different feeding conditions, and it opens new perspectives in the in situ treatment of these important residues of industrial processes without relying on external processing plants.

Brevundimonas denitrificans sp. nov., a denitrifying bacterium isolated from deep subseafloor sediment

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, heterotrophic, stalked and capsulated bacterium with potential denitrification ability, designated strain TAR-002T, was isolated from deep seafloor sediment in Japan. Colonies lacked lustre, and were viscous and translucent white. The ranges of temperature, pH and salt concentration for growth were 8–30 °C, pH 6.0–10.0 and 1–3 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain TAR-002T belongs to the genus Brevundimonas of the class Alphaproteobacteria . Levels of similarity between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain TAR-002T and those of the type strains of species of the genus Brevundimonas were 93.5–98.9 %; the most closely related species was Brevundimonas basaltis . In DNA–DNA hybridization assays between strain TAR-002T and its phylogenetic neighbours, Brevundimonas lenta DS-18T, B. basaltis J22T, Brevundimonas subvibrioides ATCC 15264T and Brevundimonas alba DSM 4736T, mean hybridization levels were 6.4–27.7 %. The G+C content of strain TAR-002T was 70.3 mol%. Q-10 was the major respiratory isoprenoid quinone. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0, and the presence of 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol (DGL) indicates the affiliation of strain TAR-002T with the genus Brevundimonas . On the basis of biological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain TAR-002T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Brevundimonas , for which the name Brevundimonas denitrificans sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is TAR-002T ( = NBRC 110107T = CECT 8537T).

Thalassospira alkalitolerans sp. nov. and Thalassospira mesophila sp. nov., isolated from a decaying bamboo sunken in the marine environment, and emended description of the genus Thalassospira

Two marine bacteria, designated strains MBE#61T and MBE#74T, were isolated from a piece of sunken bamboo in the marine environment in Japan. Both of these strains were Gram-stain-negative, but had different cell shapes: MBE#61T was spiral, whereas MBE#74T was rod-shaped. The temperature, pH and salt concentration ranges for growth of strain MBE#61T were 4–38 °C (optimal at 32 °C), pH 4.5–11.0 (optimal at pH 7.0–8.0) and 1–11 % (optimal at 2 %) NaCl, whereas those of strain MBE#74T were 4–36 °C (optimal at 30 °C), pH 4.0–10.5 (optimal at pH 7.0–8.0) and 1–12 % (optimal at 4 %) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that both strains belong to the genus Thalassospira within the class Alphaproteobacteria . Similarity between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MBE#61T and those of the type strains of species of the genus Thalassospira was 97.5–99.0 %, and that of strain MBE#74T was 96.9–98.6 %; these two isolates were most closely related to Thalassospira lucentensis QMT2T. However, the DNA–DNA hybridization values between T. lucentensis QMT2T and strain MBE#61T or MBE#74T were only 16.0 % and 7.1 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain MBE#61T was 54.4 mol%, and that of strain MBE#74T was 55.9 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone of the two strains was Q-10 (MBE#61T, 97.3 %; MBE#74T, 93.5 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain MBE#61T were C18 : 1ω7c (31.1 %), summed feature 3 comprising C16 : 0ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH (26.1 %) and C16 : 0 (20.9 %); those of strain MBE#74T were C16 : 0 (26.2 %), C17 : 0 cyclo (19.9 %) and C18 : 1ω7c (12.1 %). On the basis of these results, strain MBE#61T and strain MBE#74T are considered to represent novel species of the genus Thalassospira , for which names Thalassospira alkalitolerans sp. nov. and Thalassospira mesophila sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are MBE#61T ( = JCM 18968T = CECT 8273T) and MBE#74T ( = JCM 18969T = CECT 8274T), respectively. An emended description of the genus Thalassospira is also proposed.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Dimorphic Prosthecate Bacterium Brevundimonas abyssalis TAR-001T

We report the 3.0-Mb draft genome sequence of Brevundimonas abyssalis strain TAR-001^T, isolated from deep-sea floor sediment. The draft genome sequence of strain TAR-001^T consists of 2,979,700 bp in 128 contigs, with a G+C content of 68.2%, 2,946 potential coding sequences (CDS), 3 rRNAs, and 41 tRNAs.