Cellulomonas terrae sp. nov., a cellulolytic and xylanolytic bacterium isolated from soil

Cellulomonas alba sp. nov. and Cellulomonas edaphi sp. nov., isolated from wetland soils

Two novel strains were isolated from wetland soils in Goyang, Republic of Korea. The two Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterial-type strains were designated MW4T and MW9T. Phylogenomic analysis based on whole-genome sequences suggested that both strains belonged to the genus Cellulomonas. The cells of strain MW4T were non-motile and grew at 20-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The cells of strain MW9T were non-motile and grew at 20-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The average nucleotide identity (77.1-88.1 %) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values (21.0-34.8 %) between the two novel strains and with their closely related strains fell within the range for the genus Cellulomonas. The novel strains MW4T and MW9T and reference strains possessed alkane synthesis gene clusters (oleA, oleB, oleC and oleD). Phylogenomic, phylogenetic, average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, physiological and biochemical data indicated that the novel strains were distinct from other members of the family Cellulomonadaceae. We propose the names Cellulomonas alba sp. nov. (type strain MW4T=KACC 23260T=TBRC 17645T) and Cellulomons edaphi sp. nov. (type strain MW9T=KACC 23261T=TBRC 17646T) for the two strains.

Cellulomonas dongxiuzhuiae sp. nov., Cellulomonas wangleii sp. nov. and Cellulomonas fengjieae sp. nov., isolated from the intestinal contents of Marmota himalayana

Six Gram-stain-positive, aerobic or facultative anaerobic, catalase-positive, urease- and oxidase-negative, rod-shaped bacteria (zg-ZUI157T/zg-ZUI40, zg-ZUI222T/zg-ZUI199 and zg-ZUI188T/ zg-ZUI168) were characterized by a polyphasic approach. Optimal growth of the six strains was observed at pH 7.0 and 28 °C. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and 247 core genes revealed that they belong to genus Cellulomonas . The three type strains have low digital DNA-DNA hybridization (19.3–30.1%) and average nucleotide identity values (78.0-85.5%) with all available genomes in the genus Cellulomonas , and a DNA G+C content range of 73.0-74.6 mol%. The major fatty acids detected in strain pairs zg-ZUI157T/zg-ZUI40 and zg-ZUI 222T/zg-ZUI199 were C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso A-C15:1, and C16:0, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso A-C15:1 and anteiso-C17:0 in strain pair zg-ZUI188T/zg-ZUI168. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides were the major polar lipids detected in the three novel species. MK-9(H4) was the predominant quinone detected in strains zg-ZUI222T (87.4 %) and zg-ZUI188T (91.4 %), and MK-9(H4) (49.1 %) and MK-8 (43.4 %) in strain zg-ZUI157T. The cell-wall sugars detected in the three novel species mainly contained rhamnose. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type of the three novel species was A4β, with an inferred l-Orn–d-Asp interpeptide bridge for strains zg-ZUI157T and zg-ZUI222T, and l-Orn–d-Glu for strain zg-ZUI188T. Based on the results of the phenotypic, phylogenetic, genomic hybridization, average nucleotide identity and chemotaxonomic analyses, the six strains should be classified as belonging to three novel Cellulomonas species, for which the names Cellulomonas dongxiuzhuiae sp. nov. (zg-ZUI157T=GDMCC 1.2559T=KCTC 49678T), Cellulomonas wangleii sp. nov. (zg-ZUI222T=GDMCC 1.2501T=KCTC 49675T) and Cellulomonas fengjieae sp. nov. (zg-ZUI188T=GDMCC 1.2563T=KCTC 49674T) are proposed.

Cellulomonas fulva sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil

A yellow-coloured, Gram-stain-positive, motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacteria, designated DKR-3T, was isolated from oil-contaminated experimental soil. Strain DKR-3T could grow at pH 5.0–10.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.5), at 10–40 °C (optimum, 25–32 °C) and tolerated 3.5 % of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain DKR-3T formed a lineage within the family Cellulomonadaceae and was clustered with members of the genus Cellulomonas . Strain DKR-3T had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Cellulomonas gelida DSM 20111T (98.3 %), Cellulomonas persica JCM 18111T (98.2 %) and Cellulomonas uda DSM 20107T (97.8 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was tetrahydrogenated menaquinone with nine isoprene units [MK-9(H4)]. The principal cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The cell-wall diamino acid was l-ornithine whereas rhamnose and glucose were the cell-wall sugars. The DNA G+C content was 74.2mol %. The genome of strain DKR-3T was 3.74 Mb and contained three putative biosynthetic gene clusters. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness values between strain DKR-3T and its phylogenetically related members were below the species threshold values. Based on a polyphasic study, strain DKR-3T represents a novel species belonging to the genus Cellulomonas , for which the name Cellulomonas fulva sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DKR-3T (=KACC 22071T=NBRC 114730T).

Cellulomonas shaoxiangyii sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Two Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, aerobic, non-motile, cellobiose-utilizing, short-rod-shaped strains (Z28^T and Z29) were isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) collected on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Strain Z28^T shared 98.1, 98.0, 97.8 and 97.4 % 16S rRNA gene similarity, 24.1, 22.8, 23.2 and 26.3 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness and 80.8, 80.0, 80.7 and 80.9 % average nucleotide identity values with Cellulomonas oligotrophica DSM 24482^T, Cellulomonas flavigena DSM 20109^T, Cellulomonas iranensis DSM 14785^T and Cellulomonas terrae JCM 14899^T, respectively. Results from further phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and 148 core genes indicated that strains Z28^T and Z29 were closest to C. oligotrophica DSM 24482^T and C. flavigena DSM 20109^T, but clearly separated from the currently recognized species of the genus Cellulomonas. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Z28^T was 75.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C_15 : 0, anteiso-C_15 : 1 A, C_16 : 0 and anteiso-C_17 : 0. Ribose and mannose were detected as the whole-cell sugars. The major respiratory quinone was MK-9(H₄) and ornithine was the diamino acid of the cell wall. The polar lipids present in strain Z28^T were phosphatidylethanolamine, five phospholipids, two aminophospholipids, aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. Comparison of phenotypic and phylogenetic features between the two strains and the related organisms revealed that Z28^T and Z29 represent a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas shaoxiangyii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z28^T (=CGMCC 1.16477^T=DSM 106200^T).

Cellulomonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from soil

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-TCZ24T, was isolated from soil and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the organism should be assigned to the genus Cellulomonas and formed a stable clade with its closest relatives Cellulomonas terrae JCM 14899T (98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Cellulomonas xylanilytica JCM 14281T (97.9 %) and Cellulomonas humilata JCM 11945T (97.7 %). The major menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H4) and MK-8(H4). The phospholipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositolmannoside, a ninhydrin-positiveglycolipid, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Moreover, morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of NEAU-TCZ24T also confirmed the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Cellulomonas . However, multilocus sequence analysis based on five other house-keeping genes (gyrB, rpoB, recA, relA and atpD), DNA–DNA relatedness, physiological and biochemical data indicated that NEAU-TCZ24T could be distinguished from its closest relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that NEAU-TCZ24T represents a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas , for which the name Cellulomonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-TCZ24T (=CCTCC AA 2018042T=JCM 32383T).

Comamonas humi sp. nov., isolated from soil

A bacterial strain, designated GAU11T, was isolated from soil in Japan. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile rods. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain GAU11T showed high similarity to those of Comamonas zonglianii BF-3T (98.8 %), Pseudacidovorax intermedius CC21T (96.4 %), Acidovorax caeni R-24608T (96.2 %), Alicycliphilus denitrificans K601T (96.2 %), Pseudorhodoferax soli TBEA3T (95.9 %) and Comamonas terrigena LMG 1253T (95.9 %). Strain GAU11T contained ubiquinone 8 as the sole ubiquinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids. Its major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The DNA G+C content of strain GAU11T was 68.2 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain GAU11T and C. zonglianii DSM 22523T was 52 or 68 % (reciprocal value). Phenotypic characterization indicated that strain GAU11T represents a member of the genus Comamonas , but at the same time distinguished it from C. zonglianii DSM 22523T. From polyphasic characterization, this strain should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Comamonas , for which the name Comamonas humi sp. nov. (type strain GAU11T = JCM 19903T = DSM 28451T) is proposed.

Infective endocarditis caused by Cellulomonas spp. in an intravenous drug user: case report

Cellulomonas spp. are often believed to be of low virulence. There are only a few reports of human infections. We report the first case of endocarditis caused by Cellulomonas in an intravenous drug abuser. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) in this case was definite using the Duke criteria. The course of the disease was complicated with a heart failure and possible mycotic aneurysm in the left leg. After the end of antimicrobial therapy aortic valve replacement was done because of severe heart failure.

Cellulomonas soli sp. nov. and Cellulomonas oligotrophica sp. nov., isolated from soil

Two novel bacterial strains, designated Kc1T and Kc5T, were isolated from soil in Japan. Cells of the novel strains were Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, motile rods. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that both strains belonged to the genus Cellulomonas . The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains Kc1T and Kc5T showed closest similarity to that of Cellulomonas terrae DB5T (98.1 % and 98.4 % similarity, respectively), and the 16S rRNA gene similarity between the two novel strains was 97.8 %. In both strains, the major menaquinone was MK-9(H4), the predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides, and the peptidoglycan contained ornithine and glutamic acid. Cell-wall sugars were identified as rhamnose, galactose and mannose in strain Kc1T and rhamnose and glucose in strain Kc5T. The DNA G+C contents of strains Kc1T and Kc5T were 73.6 mol% and 75.8 mol%, respectively. Based on the chemotaxonomic and physiological data and the results of DNA–DNA hybridizations, the two strains represent two novel species within the genus Cellulomonas , for which the names Cellulomonas soli sp. nov. (type strain Kc1T  = DSM 24484T  = JCM 17535T) and Cellulomonas oligotrophica sp. nov. (type strain Kc5T = DSM 24482T = JCM 17534T) are proposed.

Industrial waste based compost as a source of novel cellulolytic strains and enzymes

Ninety bacteria isolated from raw composting materials were screened for their cellulolytic activity on solid medium containing carboxymethylcellulose. The bacteria producing the highest cellulolytic activity levels were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Bacillus licheniformis strain 1, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis strain B7B, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii strain 6, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain B31C. Cellulase activity production by the most productive strain B. amyloliquefaciens B31C was optimized in liquid culture varying the carbon source. Comparison of growth curves of B. amyloliquefaciens B31C at temperatures from 28 to 47 °C indicated its thermotolerant nature. Moreover, analysis of time courses of cellulase activity production in this thermal range showed that increase of temperature from 28 to 37 °C causes an increase of cellulase activity levels. Investigating the enzymes responsible for cellulase activity produced by B. amyloliquefaciens B31C by proteomic analyses, an endoglucanase was identified. It was shown that the purified enzyme catalyzes carboxymethylcellulose's hydrolysis following Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a K(M) of 9.95 mg ml(-1) and a v(max) of 284 μM min(-1) . It shows a retention of 90% of its activity for at least 144 h of incubation at 40 °C and exhibits a range of optimum temperatures from 50 to 70 °C.

Non contiguous-finished genome sequence and description of Cellulomonas massiliensis sp. nov

Cellulomonas massiliensis strain JC225^T sp. nov. is the type strain of Cellulomonas massiliensis sp., a new species within the genus Cellulomonas. This strain, whose genome is described here, was isolated from the fecal flora of a healthy Senegalese patient. C. massiliensis is an aerobic rod-shaped bacterium. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. The 3,407,283 bp long genome contains 3,083 protein-coding and 48 RNA genes.

Cellulomonas carbonis sp. nov., isolated from coal mine soil

A Gram-positive, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain T26T, was isolated from subsurface soil of Tianjin coal mine, China. Colonies were yellow–white, convex, circular, smooth and non-transparent on R2A agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain T26T was closely related to members of the genus Cellulomonas and a member of the genus Actinotalea with 96.8–94.7 % and 96.7 % gene sequence similarities, respectively. The peptidoglycan type of strain T26T was A4β, containing l-ornithine–d-glutamic acid as the interpeptide bridge. The cell-wall sugars were rhamnose, galactose, xylose and inositol. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0 (33.6 %), anteiso-C15 : 1 A (22.1 %), C16 : 0 (14.4 %) and C14 : 0 (12.1 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-9(H4) and the genomic DNA G+C content was 74.4 mol%. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol-mannosides and phosphatidylinositol. Comparison of phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics between strain T26T and related organisms revealed that the new isolate represented a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas , for which the name Cellulomonas carbonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T26T ( = CGMCC 1.10786T = KCTC 19824T = CCTCC AB2010450T).

Comparison of microbially enhanced compost extracts produced from composted cattle rumen content material and from commercially available inocula

A comparative study was performed on compost extracts prepared from cattle rumen content composted for three and nine months, nine month old compost inoculated with a Nutri-Life 4/20™ inoculum, and two commercial preparations (LivingSoil™ and Nutri-Life 4/20™), all incubated for 48h. Nutri-Life 4/20™ had the highest concentrations of NO(3)(-)-N and K(+)-K, while rumen compost extract had higher humic and fulvic acids concentration. The bacterial and fungal community level functional diversity of three month old compost extract and of LivingSoil™, assessed with Biolog™, were higher than that of nine month old rumen compost extract, with or without Nutri-Life 4/20™ inoculum, or Nutri-Life 4/20™. No difference in fungal diversity was observed between treatments, as indicated by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis, however, bacterial diversity was higher in all compost extracts and LivingSoil™ compared to the Nutri-Life 4/20™. Criteria for judging the quality of a microbially enhanced extract are discussed.

Cellulomonas phragmiteti sp. nov., a cellulolytic bacterium isolated from reed (Phragmites australis) periphyton in a shallow soda pond

An alkalitolerant and moderately halophilic strain, designated KB23T, characterized by optimal growth at pH 8.0–9.0 and in the presence of 5–7 % (w/v) NaCl, was isolated from a reed (Phragmites australis) periphyton sample originating from an extremely shallow, alkaline soda pond located in Hungary. Cells of strain KB23T were Gram-stain-positive, motile straight rods. Strain KB23T was facultatively anaerobic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and contained peptidoglycan type A4β (l-Orn–d-Asp). MK-9(H4) was the predominant isoprenoid quinone and anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 1 were the major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C content of strain KB23T was 74.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this strain belongs to the genus Cellulomonas and that it is related most closely to Cellulomonas flavigena DSM 20109T (97.35 % similarity), Cellulomonas terrae DB5T (96.81 %), Cellulomonas iranensis OT (96.75), Cellulomonas chitinilytica X.bu-bT (96.60 %), Cellulomonas persica IT (96.53 %), Cellulomonas composti TR7-06T (96.45 %), Cellulomonas biazotea DSM 20112T (96.34 %) and Cellulomonas fimi DSM 20113T (96.20 %). According to these results, together with DNA–DNA hybridization and physiological data, strain KB23T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas phragmiteti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KB23T ( = DSM 22512T  = NCAIM B002303T).

Koreibacter algae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from seaweed

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped actinomycete, designated strain DSW-2T, was isolated from a seaweed sample collected around Mara Island, Jeju, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain DSW-2T belongs to the suborder Micrococcineae and forms a distinct clade separated from representatives of the several families of this order. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the novel strain and members of this suborder were lower than 96.4 %. The peptidoglycan type is A3α with Lys–Ser as the interpeptide bridge. Whole-cell sugars are glucose and galactose. The major menaquinone is MK-9(H4). The predominant fatty acid is ai-C15 : 0. The polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The DNA G+C content was 68.3 mol%. On the basis of the chemotaxonomic markers and phylogenetic distinctiveness presented here, it is evident that the isolate represents a novel taxon within the suborder Micrococcineae. The name Koreibacter algae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain DSW-2T (=KCTC 13436T =DSM 22126T).

Demequina lutea sp. nov., isolated from a high Arctic permafrost soil

Two Gram-stain-positive, pigmented, non-motile, non-spore-forming, pleomorphic, rod-shaped bacteria (strains SV45(T) and SV47), isolated from a permafrost soil collected from the Adventdalen valley, Spitsbergen, northern Norway, have been characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the two permafrost isolates formed a distinct phyletic line within the suborder Micrococcineae of the order Actinomycetales. DNA-DNA hybridization analyses indicate that strains SV45(T) and SV47 are closely related (60-69 % relatedness) and belong to the same species, although they show slightly different colony pigmentation. The closest phylogenetic neighbour was Demequina aestuarii JC2054(T), with 96 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Optimum growth of SV45(T) and SV47 occurred aerobically in the absence of NaCl, but both isolates tolerated up to 2 % NaCl (w/v) in the growth medium. Growth under anaerobic conditions was slow and weak. The peptidoglycan of both isolates was of the A4beta type with l-ornithine as the diamino acid and serine as a component of the interpeptide bridge with either d-aspartate (SV45(T)) or d-glutamate (SV47) as the N-terminal amino acid. The major fatty acids present in both isolates were C(15 : 0) (3.2-8.6 %), iso-C(16 : 0) (5.0-8.9 %), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (59.4-61.5 %), anteiso-C(17 : 0) (4.1-8.8 %) and anteiso-C(15 : 1) (4.4-6.4 %). Isoprenoid quinones were present at exceptionally low levels in both isolates, and only demethylmenaquinone DMK-9(H(4)) could be identified with any degree of confidence. Phylogenetic analysis and differences in physiological and biochemical characteristics between the strains and Demequina aestuarii JC2054(T) indicate that these isolates belong to a novel species within the genus Demequina, for which the name Demequina lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SV45(T) (=LMG 24795(T) =DSM 19970(T)).

Cellulomonas chitinilytica sp. nov., a chitinolytic bacterium isolated from cattle-farm compost

A bacterial strain, designated X.bu-b T, with chitin-, xylan-, cellulose- and starch-degrading activities, was isolated from compost at a cattle farm near Daejeon, Republic of Korea. The strain comprised Gram-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacteria. On the basis of an analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the phylogenetic position of X.bu-b T was within the genus Cellulomonas, and the strain exhibited relatively high sequence similarities with respect to Cellulomonas biazotea DSM 20112T (98.1 %), C. cellasea DSM 20118T (98.1 %), C. fimi DSM 20113T (98.0 %), C. terrae DB5T (97.9 %), C. humilata ATCC 25174T (97.7 %), C. xylanilytica XIL11 T (97.5 %), C. uda DSM 20107T (97.4 %), C. gelida DSM 20111 T (97.3 %), C. iranensis OT (97.3 %) and C. flavigena DSM 20109T (97.0 %). The phylogenetic distance from other Cellulomonas species with validly published names was greater than 3 % (i.e. less than 97.0 % sequence similarity). Chemotaxonomic data also supported the classification of strain X.bu-b T within the genus Cellulomonas: L-ornithine was the cell-wall diamino acid, anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0 were the major fatty acids, rhamnose, galactose, xylose and ribose were the cell-wall sugars, MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol were present in the polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 73.6 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed that the values for DNA-DNA relatedness between strain X.bu-b T and the phylogenetically closest neighbours were below 23 %. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain X.bu-b T represents a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas chitinilytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X.bu-b T (=KCTC 19133T =DSM 17922T).

Phylogenetic and metabolic bacterial diversity of Phragmites australis periphyton communities in two Hungarian soda ponds

Bacterial diversity of reed (Phragmites australis) periphyton communities of Kelemen-szék and Nagy-Vadas (two Hungarian soda ponds) was investigated using molecular cloning and cultivation-based techniques. The majority of the 80 Kelemen-szék and 72 Nagy-Vadas bacterial isolates proved to be moderately halophilic and alkaliphilic. A great proportion of the isolates showed phosphatase and urease activity, utilized aesculin, citrate and certain biopolymers (e.g., gelatine and tween 80). Partial 16S rDNA sequence analysis of 33 Kelemen-szék and 20 Nagy-Vadas ARDRA group representatives showed Gram-positive (Nesterenkonia, Cellulomonas, Dietzia, Bacillus and Planococcus) dominance at both sampling sites. Species of the genera Acidovorax, Hydrogenophaga (beta-Proteobacteria) and Flavobacterium, Sphingobacterium (Bacteroidetes) were represented only from Kelemen-szék. Altogether 16 isolates showed low sequence similarity with yet described bacteria and may represent novel taxa. Screening of the 16S rRNA gene libraries of 129 Kelemen-szék and 158 Nagy-Vadas clones resulted in 30 and 28 different ARDRA groups, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed a Gram-negative (Rheinheimera, Aquimonas, Cellvibrio, Flavobacterium and Sphingobacterium) dominated phylogenetic diversity. A high number of the clones were affiliated with uncultured bacterial clones described from diverse environmental samples.

Paenibacillus soli sp. nov., a xylanolytic bacterium isolated from soil

Two novel polysaccharide-degrading bacteria (strains DCY03T and DCY04) were isolated from a soil sample of a ginseng field in the Republic of Korea and were identified as representing members of the genus Paenibacillus on the basis of phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Cells of the two isolates were Gram-positive, spore-forming, non-motile, straight rods. Based on DNA–DNA relatedness data, the strains were considered to belong to the same species. The DNA G+C content ranged from 56.6 to 57.0 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0 (63.8–62.8 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two novel isolates and the type strains of recognized Paenibacillus species were 91.4–96.5 %. Strains DCY03T and DCY04 could clearly be distinguished from phylogenetically closely related Paenibacillus species on the basis of DNA–DNA relatedness data and phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, on the basis of these data, the two isolates are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY03T (=KCTC 13010T=LMG 23604T).

Demequina aestuarii gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel actinomycete of the suborder Micrococcineae, and reclassification of Cellulomonas fermentans Bagnara et al. 1985 as Actinotalea fermentans gen. nov., comb. nov

An actinobacterial strain containing demethylmenaquinone DMK-9(H4) as the diagnostic isoprenoid quinone was isolated from a tidal flat sediment sample, from South Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JC2054T represents a distinct phyletic line within the suborder Micrococcineae of the order Actinomycetales. The closest phylogenetic neighbour was Cellulomonas fermentans, with 94.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The novel isolate was strictly aerobic and slightly halophilic, with optimum growth occurring in 2–4 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were non-motile, non-sporulating and rod-shaped. The peptidoglycan type was of the A-type of cross-linkage. l-ornithine was the diamino acid and d-glutamate represented the N-terminus of the interpeptide bridge. The predominant fatty acids were anteiso-branched and straight-chain fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. The menaquinone composition of C. fermentans was determined to be MK-10(H4), MK-9(H4) and MK-8(H4) in the ratio 56 : 2 : 1. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented in this study, it is proposed that strain JC2054T should be classified as representing a novel genus and species of the suborder Micrococcineae, with the name Demequina aestuarii gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is JC2054T (=IMSNU 14027T=KCTC 9919T=JCM 12123T). In addition, it was clear from the phylogenetic analysis and chemotaxonomic data that C. fermentans does not belong to the genus Cellulomonas or any other recognized genera. Therefore, C. fermentans should be reclassified as representing a novel genus, for which the name Actinotalea fermentans gen. nov., comb. nov. is proposed, with strain DSM 3133T (=ATCC 43279T=CFBP 4259T=CIP 103003T=NBRC 15517T=JCM 9966T=LMG 16154T) as the type strain.