Leuconostoc pseudoficulneum sp. nov., isolated from a ripe fig

A comparative genomic analysis of Fructobacillus evanidus sp. nov. from bumble bees

The increase in studies on bee microbiomes is prompted by concerns over global pollinator declines. Bumble bees host core and non-core microbiota which may contribute to increased lifetime fitness. The presence of Fructobacillus in the gut microbiomes of bumble bee workers, or the replacement of core symbionts with Fructobacillus bacteria, has been considered a marker of dysbiosis. A phylogenomic analysis and functional genomic characterization of the genomes of 21 Fructobacillus isolates from bumble bees demonstrated that they represented four species, i.e. Fructobacillus cardui, Fructobacillus fructosus, Fructobacillus tropaeoli, and the novel species Fructobacillus evanidus sp. nov. Our results confirmed and substantiated the presence of two phylogenetically and functionally distinct Fructobacillus species clades that differ in genome size, percentage G + C content, the number of coding DNA sequences and metabolic characteristics. Clade 1 and clade 2 species differed in amino acid and, to a lesser extent, in carbohydrate metabolism, with F. evanidus and F. tropaeoli genomes featuring a higher number of complete metabolic pathways. While Fructobacillus genomes encoded genes that allow adhesion, biofilm formation, antibacterial activity and detoxification, other bacteria isolated from the bumble bee gut appeared better equipped to co-exist with the bumble bee host. The isolation and identification of multiple Fructobacillus species from several bumble bee gut samples in the present study also argued against a specific partnership between Fructobacillus species and their bumble bee hosts.

Recent trends in lactic acid-producing microorganisms through microbial fermentation for the synthesis of polylactic acid

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a range of unique bioplastics that are bio-based and biodegradable. PLA is currently driving market expansion for lactic acid (LA) due to its high demand as a building block in production. One of the most practical and environmentally benign techniques for synthesising PLA is through enzymatic polymerisation of microbial LA monomers. However, microbial LA fermentation does have some limitations. Firstly, it requires the use of a nutritionally rich medium. Secondly, LA production can be disrupted by bacteriophage infection or other microorganisms. Lastly, the yield can be low due to the formation of by-products through heterofermentative pathway. Considering the potential use of PLA as a replacement for conventional petrochemical-based polymers in industrial applications, researchers are focused on exploring the diversity of LA-producing microorganisms from various niches. Their goal is to study the functional properties of these microorganisms and their ability to produce industrially valuable metabolites. This review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of lactic acid-producing microorganisms used in microbial fermentation for PLA synthesis.

Fructilactobacillus cliffordii sp. nov., Fructilactobacillus hinvesii sp. nov., Fructilactobacillus myrtifloralis sp. nov., Fructilactobacillus carniphilus sp. nov. and Fructobacillus americanaquae sp. nov., five novel lactic acid bacteria isolated from insects or flowers of Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Six strains, KI11_D11^T, KI4_B1, KI11_C11^T, KI16_H9^T, KI4_A6^T and KI3_B9^T, were isolated from insects and flowers on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, strains KI11_D11^T, KI4_B1, KI11_C11^T, KI16_H9^T, KI4_A6^T were found to be closely related to Fructilactobacillus ixorae Ru20-1^T. Due to the lack of a whole genome sequence for this species, whole genome sequencing of Fructilactobacillus ixorae Ru20-1^T was undertaken. KI3_B9^T was found to be closely related to Fructobacillus tropaeoli F214-1^T. Utilizing core gene phylogenetics and whole genome analyses, such as determination of AAI, ANI and dDDH, we propose that these six isolates represent five novel species with the names Fructilactobacillus cliffordii (KI11_D11^T= LMG 32130^T = NBRC 114988^T), Fructilactobacillus hinvesii (KI11_C11^T = LMG 32129^T = NBRC 114987^T), Fructilactobacillus myrtifloralis (KI16_H9^T= LMG 32131^T = NBRC 114989^T) Fructilactobacillus carniphilus (KI4_A6^T = LMG 32127^T = NBRC 114985^T) and Fructobacillus americanaquae (KI3_B9^T = LMG 32124^T = NBRC 114983^T). Chemotaxonomic analyses detected no fructophilic characters for these strains of member of the genus Fructilactobacillus. KI3_B9^T was found to be obligately fructophilic, similarly to its phylogenetic neighbours in the genus Fructobacillus. This study represents the first isolation, to our knowledge, of novel species in the family Lactobacillaceae from the Australian wild.

Fructobacillus apis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of honeybee (Apis mellifera)

A Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, catalase-negative, fructose-dependent strain (W13^T) was isolated from the gut of honeybee (Apis mellifera). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that strain W13^T represents a distinct line of descent within the genus Fructobacillus, with the closest neighbours being Fructobacillus broussonetiae BCRC 81240^T (98.9 % sequence similarity) and Fructobacillus durionis DSM 19113^T (96.8 % sequence similarity). Comparative sequencing of the additional phylogenetic markers rpoC and recA confirmed the 16S rRNA gene tree topology. The complete genome of strain W13^T consisted of 1 292 712 bp with a G+C content of 48.3 mol%. Pairwise comparisons of the average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the genomes of W13^T and its close phylogenetic neighbours, F. broussonetiae BCRC 81240^T and F. durionis DSM 19113^T, resulted in 76.2-84.1 % and 20.2-27.6 %, respectively. The main cellular fatty acids of strain W13^T were C_16 : 0, C_18 : 1  ω9c and C_18 : 1  ω7c. Thus, we propose a novel species within the genus Fructobacillus, with the name Fructobacillus apis sp. nov. and the type strain is W13^T (= NBRC 115637^T=BCRC 81365^T).

Fructobacillus cardui sp. nov., isolated from a thistle (Carduus nutans) flower

A Fructobacillus strain was isolated from the flower of a nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) collected in Bavaria, Germany. The strain is Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-sporulating, catalase- and oxidase-negative, and facultatively anaerobic. Growth can be detected at 10-37 °C and pH 4 to 9. The genome size is about 1.56 Mbp and the G+C content is 43.76 mol%. Assignment to the genus Fructobacillus was done by average nucleotide identity (ANI), 16S rRNA gene sequence and multilocus sequence analyses. Calculations of ANI and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values indicate a novel species with Fructobacillus tropaeoli DSM 23246^T (93.58% ANI and 57.9 % dDDH) being its closest relative. Therefore, a new species named Fructobacillus cardui sp. nov. with TMW 2.2452^T (=DSM 113480^T=CECT 30515^T) as type strain is proposed.

Are fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) beneficial to humans?

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are heterofermentative and related to the genera Fructilactobacillus, Convivina, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus and Weissella. Although they generally prefer fructose above glucose, obligate heterofermentative species will ferment glucose in the presence of external electron acceptors such as pyruvate and fructose. Little is known about the presence of FLAB in the human gut, let alone probiotic properties. In this review we discuss the possible role FLAB may have in the human gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and highlight the advantages and disadvantages these bacteria may have in individuals with a diet high in fructose.

Fructobacillus papyriferae sp. nov., Fructobacillus papyrifericola sp. nov., Fructobacillus broussonetiae sp. nov. and Fructobacillus parabroussonetiae sp. nov., isolated from paper mulberry in Taiwan

Five Gram-stain-positive strains (M1-10T, M1-13, M1-21T, M2-14T and S1-1T) were isolated from paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) in Taiwan. Cells were rod-shaped, non-motile, non-haemolytic, asporogenous, facultatively anaerobic, heterofermentative, and did not exhibit catalase and oxidase activities. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these novel strains belonged to the genus Fructobacillus . On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the type strains of Fructobacillus fructosus and Fructobacillus durionis were the closest neighbours to strains M1-10T, M1-13, M1-21T, M2-14T and S1-1T. Sequence analyses of concatenated two partial housekeeping genes, the RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoC) and recombinase A (recA) also indicated that the novel strains belonged to the genus Fructobacillus . The 16S rRNA and concatenated rpoC and recA gene sequence similarities between strains M1-10T and M1-13 were 100 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values of M1-10T, M1-21T, M2-14T and S1-1T with F. fructosus and F. durionis were 75.1–78.9% and 76.5–77.5 %, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were 19.7–21.5% and 19.6–20.4 %, respectively. Phenotypic and genotypic test results demonstrated that these strains represent four novel species of the genus Fructobacillus , for which the names Fructobacillus papyriferae sp. nov., Fructobacillus papyrifericola sp. nov., Fructobacillus broussonetiae sp. nov. and Fructobacillus parabroussonetiae sp. nov. are proposed with the type strains M1-10T (=BCRC 81237T=NBRC 114433T), M1-21T (=BCRC 81239T=NBRC 114435T), M2-14T (=BCRC 81240T=NBRC 114436T) and S1-1T (=BCRC 81241T=NBRC 114437T), respectively.

Diversity and Functional Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Wild Fruits and Flowers Present in Northern Argentina

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are capable of converting carbohydrate substrates into organic acids (mainly lactic acid) and producing a wide range of metabolites. Due to their interesting beneficial properties, LAB are widely used as starter cultures, as probiotics, and as microbial cell factories. Exploring LAB present in unknown niches may lead to the isolation of unique species or strains with relevant technological properties. Autochthonous rather than allochthonous starter cultures are preferred in the current industry of fermented food products, due to better adaptation and performance of autochthonous strains to the matrix they originate from. In this work, the lactic microbiota of eight different wild tropical types of fruits and four types of flowers were studied. The ability of the isolated strains to produce metabolites of interest to the food industry was evaluated. The presence of 21 species belonging to the genera Enterococcus, Fructobacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Weissella was evidenced by using culture-dependent techniques. The isolated LAB corresponded to 95 genotypically differentiated strains by applying rep-PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene; subsequently, representative strains of the different isolated species were studied for technological properties, such as fast growth rate and acidifying capacity; pectinolytic and cinnamoyl esterase activities, and absence of biogenic amine biosynthesis. Additionally, the strains' capacity to produce ethyl esters as well as mannitol was evaluated. The isolated fruit- and flower-origin LAB displayed functional properties that validate their potential use in the manufacture of fermented fruit-based products setting the background for the design of novel functional foods.

Fructophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria, a Unique Group of Fructose-Fermenting Microbes

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are a recently discovered group, consisting of a few Fructobacillus and Lactobacillus species. Because of their unique characteristics, including poor growth on glucose and preference of oxygen, they are regarded as "unconventional" lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Their unusual growth characteristics are due to an incomplete gene encoding a bifunctional alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (adhE). This results in the imbalance of NAD/NADH and the requirement of additional electron acceptors to metabolize glucose. Oxygen, fructose, and pyruvate are used as electron acceptors. FLAB have significantly fewer genes for carbohydrate metabolism than other LAB, especially due to the lack of complete phosphotransferase system (PTS) transporters. They have been isolated from fructose-rich environments, including flowers, fruits, fermented fruits, and the guts of insects that feed on plants rich in fructose, and are separated into two groups on the basis of their habitats. One group is associated with flowers, grapes, wines, and insects, and the second group is associated with ripe fruits and fruit fermentations. Species associated with insects may play a role in the health of their host and are regarded as suitable vectors for paratransgenesis in honey bees. Besides their impact on insect health, FLAB may be promising candidates for the promotion of human health. Further studies are required to explore their beneficial properties in animals and humans and their applications in the food industry.

Enhanced mannitol biosynthesis by the fruit origin strain Fructobacillus tropaeoli CRL 2034

Mannitol is a natural low-calorie sugar alcohol produced by certain (micro)organisms applicable in foods for diabetics due to its zero glycemic index. In this work, we evaluated mannitol production and yield by the fruit origin strain Fructobacillus tropaeoli CRL 2034 using response surface methodology with central composite design (CCD) as optimization strategy. The effect of the total saccharide (glucose + fructose, 1:2) content (TSC) in the medium (75, 100, 150, 200, and 225 g/l) and stirring (S; 50, 100, 200, 300 and 350 rpm) on mannitol production and yield by this strain was evaluated by using a 2² full-factorial CCD with 4 axial points (α = 1.5) and four replications of the center point, leading to 12 random experimental runs. Fermentations were carried out at 30 °C and pH 5.0 for 24 h. Minitab-15 software was used for experimental design and data analyses. The multiple response prediction analysis established 165 g/l of TSC and 200 rpm of S as optimal culture conditions to reach 85.03 g/l [95% CI (78.68, 91.39)] of mannitol and a yield of 82.02% [95% CI (71.98, 92.06)]. Finally, a validation experiment was conducted at the predicted optimum levels. The results obtained were 81.91 g/l of mannitol with a yield of 77.47% in outstanding agreement with the expected values. The mannitol 2-dehydrogenase enzyme activity was determined with 4.6-4.9 U/mg as the highest value found. To conclude, F. tropaeoli CRL 2034 produced high amounts of high-quality mannitol from fructose, being an excellent candidate for this polyol production.

A proposal of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. jonggajibkimchii subsp. nov. and reclassification of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. suionicum (Gu et al., 2012) as Leuconostoc suionicum sp. nov. based on complete genome sequences

The type strains of four subspecies of Leuconostocmesenteroides, L. mesenteroidessubsp. mesenteroides, L. mesenteroidessubsp. cremoris, L. mesenteroidessubsp. dextranicum and L. mesenteroidessubsp. suionicum, and strain DRC1506T, used as a starter culture for commercial kimchi production in Korea, were phylogenetically analyzed on the basis of their complete genome sequences. Although the type strains of the four L. mesenteroides subspecies and strain DRC1506T shared very high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (>99.72 %), the results of analysis of average nucleotide identity (ANI), in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and core-genome-based relatedness indicated that they could form five different phylogenetic lineages. The type strains of L. mesenteroidessubsp. mesenteroides, L. mesenteroidessubsp. cremoris and L. mesenteroidessubsp. dextranicum and DRC1506T shared higher ANI and in silico DDH values than the thresholds (95-96 % and 70 %, respectively) generally accepted for different species delineation, whereas the type strain of L. mesenteroidessubsp. suionicum (DSM 20241T) shared lower ANI (<94.1 %) and in silico DDH values (<57.0 %) with the other four L. mesenteroides lineage strains, indicating that DSM 20241T couldn be reclassified as representing a different species. Here, we report that DRC1506T represents a novel subspecies within the species Leuconostoc mesenteroides, for which the name Leuconostoc mesenteroidessubsp. jonggajibkimchii subsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DRC1506T (=KCCM 43249T=JCM 31787T). In addition, L. mesenteroidessubsp. suionicum is also reclassified as Leuconostoc suionicum. sp. nov. (type strain DSM 20241T=ATCC 9135T=LMG 8159T=NCIMB 6992T).

Complete genome sequence and functional study of the fibrinolytic enzyme-producing bacterium Leuconostoc holzapfelii 5H4, a silage probiotic

To process silage, rye is usually removed before the heading stage but the rye biomass increased up to 30% after the heading stage. However, after the heading stage, lignification rapidly accelerated and it resulted in a poor NDF digestibility problem. This has led to a demand for a strong fibrinolytic enzyme-producing probiotic for rye silage. The Gram-positive Leuconostoc holzapfelii 5H4 was selected as a fibrinolytic enzyme-producing probiotic to overcome lignification of rye silage. The L. holzapfelii 5H4 has a relatively small circular chromosome (1,885,398 bp), but the strain has one cellulase, two xylanase, and five esterase in its genome sequence. All fibrinolytic enzyme genes were relatively highly expressed compared to housekeeping genes, and this was confirmed by qRT-PCR. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the bacterium so that fibrinolytic enzyme production and its fibrinolytic activity mechanism are better understood.

Characterization of strains of Weissella fabalis sp. nov. and Fructobacillus tropaeoli from spontaneous cocoa bean fermentations

Six facultatively anaerobic, non-motile lactic acid bacteria were isolated from spontaneous cocoa bean fermentations carried out in Brazil, Ecuador and Malaysia. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that one of these strains, designated M75(T), isolated from a Brazilian cocoa bean fermentation, had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity towards Weissella fabaria LMG 24289(T) (97.7%), W. ghanensis LMG 24286(T) (93.3%) and W. beninensis LMG 25373(T) (93.4%). The remaining lactic acid bacteria isolates, represented by strain M622, showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity towards the type strain of Fructobacillus tropaeoli (99.9%), a recently described species isolated from a flower in South Africa. pheS gene sequence analysis indicated that the former strain represented a novel species, whereas pheS, rpoA and atpA gene sequence analysis indicated that the remaining five strains belonged to F. tropaeoli; these results were confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridization experiments towards their respective nearest phylogenetic neighbours. Additionally, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry proved successful for the identification of species of the genera Weissella and Fructobacillus and for the recognition of the novel species. We propose to classify strain M75(T) ( = LMG 26217(T)  = CCUG 61472(T)) as the type strain of the novel species Weissella fabalis sp. nov.

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria inhabit fructose-rich niches in nature

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are a special group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which prefer fructose but not glucose as growth substrate. They are found in fructose-rich niches, e.g. flowers, fruits, and fermented foods made from fruits. Quite recently, they were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals consuming fructose, which were bumblebees, tropical fruit flies, and Camponotus ants. These suggest that all natural sources that are rich in fructose are possible their habitats. Fructobacillus spp., formerly classified as Leuconostoc spp., are representatives of these microorganisms, and Lactobacillus kunkeei has also been classified as FLAB. They share several unique biochemical characteristics, which have not been found in LAB inhabited in other niches. FLAB grow well on fructose but very poor on glucose. These organisms grow well on glucose only when external electron accepters, e.g. pyruvate or oxygen, are available. LAB have been shown to have specific evolution to adapt to their niches and have several niche-specific characteristics. FLAB must have fructophilic evolution during adaptation to fructose-rich niches. FLAB are unique food-related LAB, suggesting a great potential for future food and feed applications.

Leuconostoc miyukkimchii sp. nov., isolated from brown algae (Undaria pinnatifida) kimchi

A Gram-staining-positive, non-motile and non-spore-forming lactic acid bacterium, designated strain M2(T), was isolated from fermented brown algae (Undaria pinnatifida) kimchi in South Korea. Cells of the isolate were facultatively anaerobic ovoids and showed catalase- and oxidase-negative reactions. Growth of strain M2(T) was observed at 4-35 °C and at pH 5.0-9.0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 42.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain M2(T) belonged to the genus Leuconostoc and was most closely related to Leuconostoc inhae IH003(T), Leuconostoc kimchii IH25(T), Leuconostoc gasicomitatum LMG 18811(T), Leuconostoc gelidum DSM 5578(T), Leuconostoc palmae TMW2.694(T) and Leuconostoc holzapfelii BFE 7000(T) with 98.9 %, 98.8 %, 98.8 %, 98.7 %, 98.5 % and 98.2 % sequence similarity, respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain M2(T) and Leuconostoc inhae KACC 12281(T), Leuconostoc kimchii IH25(T), Leuconostoc gelidum KACC 12256(T), Leuconostoc gasicomitatum KACC 13854(T), Leuconostoc palmae DSM 21144(T) and Leuconostoc holzapfelii DSM 21478(T) were 13.8±3.2 %, 14.3±3.4 %, 9.9±1.0 %, 13.2±0.8 %, 22.4±4.9 % and 16.2±4.6 %, respectively, which allowed differentiation of strain M2(T) from the closely related species of the genus Leuconostoc. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular properties, strain M2(T) represents a novel species in the genus Leuconostoc, for which the name Leuconostoc miyukkimchii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2(T) ( = KACC 15353(T)  = JCM 17445(T)).

Spontaneous organic cocoa bean box fermentations in Brazil are characterized by a restricted species diversity of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria

Spontaneous organic cocoa bean box fermentations were carried out on two different farms in Brazil. Physical parameters, microbial growth, bacterial species diversity [mainly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB)], and metabolite kinetics were monitored, and chocolates were produced from the fermented dry cocoa beans. The main end-products of the catabolism of the pulp substrates (glucose, fructose, and citric acid) by yeasts, LAB, and AAB were ethanol, lactic acid, mannitol, and/or acetic acid. Lactobacillus fermentum and Acetobacter pasteurianus were the predominating bacterial species of the fermentations as revealed through (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprinting of isolates and PCR-DGGE of 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicons of DNA directly extracted from fermentation samples. Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Acetobacter senegalensis were among the prevailing species during the initial phase of the fermentations. Also, three novel LAB species were found. This study emphasized the possible participation of Enterobacteriaceae in the cocoa bean fermentation process. Tatumella ptyseos and Tatumella citrea were the prevailing enterobacterial species in the beginning of the fermentations as revealed by 16S rRNA gene-PCR-DGGE. Finally, it turned out that control over a restricted bacterial species diversity during fermentation through an ideal post-harvest handling of the cocoa beans will allow the production of high-quality cocoa and chocolates produced thereof, independent of the fermentation method or farm.

Isolation and characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolated from ripe mulberries in Taiwan

The objective of this study was to isolate, characterize, and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from ripe mulberries collected in Taiwan. Ripe mulberry samples were collected at five mulberry farms, located in different counties of Taiwan. Eighty-eight acid-producing cultures were isolated from these samples, and isolates were divided into classes first by phenotype, then into groups by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Phenotypic and biochemical characteristics led to identification of four bacterial groups (A to D). Weissella cibaria was the most abundant type of LAB distributed in four mulberry farms, and Lactobacillus plantarum was the most abundant LAB found in the remaining farm. Ten W. cibaria and one Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis isolate produced bacteriocins against the indicator strain Lactobacillus sakei JCM 1157^T. These results suggest that various LAB are distributed in ripe mulberries and W. cibaria was the most abundant LAB found in this study.

Fructobacillus tropaeoli sp. nov., a fructophilic lactic acid bacterium isolated from a flower

A fructophilic lactic acid bacterium, designated strain F214-1(T), was isolated from a flower of Tropaeolum majus in South Africa. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the strain formed a subcluster with Fructobacillus ficulneus and Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus and, based on recA gene sequences, the strain formed a subcluster with F. ficulneus. DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed that strain F214-1(T) was phylogenetically distinct from its closest relatives. Acid was produced from the fermentation of d-glucose, d-fructose and d-mannitol only. d-Fructose was the preferred sole carbon and energy source and was fermented more rapidly than d-glucose. Growth of the strain on d-glucose under anaerobic conditions was very weak but external electron acceptors such as oxygen and pyruvate enhanced growth on d-glucose. Lactic acid and acetic acid were produced from d-glucose in equimolar amounts. Ethanol was produced at very low levels, despite the strain's obligately heterofermentative metabolism. Based on these data, strain F214-1(T) represents a novel species of fructophilic bacteria in the genus Fructobacillus, for which the name Fructobacillus tropaeoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is F214-1(T) ( = JCM 16675(T)  = DSM 23246(T)).

Isolation and characterization of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria from fructose-rich niches

Fourteen strains of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria were isolated from fructose-rich niches, flowers, and fruits. Phylogenetic analysis and BLAST analysis of 16S rDNA sequences identified six strains as Lactobacillus kunkeei, four as Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus, and one as Fructobacillus fructosus. The remaining three strains grouped within the Lactobacillus buchneri phylogenetic subcluster, but shared low sequence similarities to other known Lactobacillus spp. The fructophilic strains fermented only a few carbohydrates and fermented D-fructose faster than D-glucose. Based on the growth characteristics, the 14 isolates were divided into two groups. Strains in the first group containing L. kunkeei, F. fructosus, and F. pseudoficulneus grew well on D-fructose and on D-glucose with pyruvate or oxygen as external electron acceptors, but poorly on D-glucose without the electron acceptors. Strains in this group were classified as "obligately" fructophilic lactic acid bacteria. The second group contained three unidentified strains of Lactobacillus that grew well on D-fructose and on D-glucose with the electron acceptors. These strains grew on D-glucose without the electron acceptors, but at a delayed rate. Strains in this group were classified as facultatively fructophilic lactic acid bacteria. All fructophilic isolates were heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, but "obligately" fructophilic lactic acid bacteria mainly produced lactic acid and acetic acid and very little ethanol from D-glucose. Facultatively fructophilic strains produced lactic acid, acetic acid and ethanol, but at a ratio different from that recorded for heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria. These unique characteristics may have been obtained through adaptation to the habitat.

Reclassification of the genus Leuconostoc and proposals of Fructobacillus fructosus gen. nov., comb. nov., Fructobacillus durionis comb. nov., Fructobacillus ficulneus comb. nov. and Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus comb. nov

A taxonomic study was made of the genus Leuconostoc. The species in the genus were divided into three subclusters by phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences. The three subclusters were the Leuconostoc mesenteroides subcluster (comprising L. carnosum, L. citreum, L. gasicomitatum, L. gelidum, L. inhae, L. kimchii, L. lactis, L. mesenteroides and L. pseudomesenteroides), the L. fructosum subcluster (L. durionis, L. ficulneum, L. fructosum and L. pseudoficulneum) and the L. fallax subcluster (L. fallax). Phylogenetic trees based on the sequences of the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic spacer region, the rpoC gene or the recA gene indicated a good correlation with the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The species in the L. fructosum subcluster were morphologically distinguishable from the species in the L. mesenteroides subcluster and L. fallax as species in the L. fructosum subcluster had rod-shaped cells. In addition, the four species in the L. fructosum subcluster needed an electron acceptor for the dissimilation of d-glucose and produced acetic acid from d-glucose rather than ethanol. On the basis of evidence presented in this study, it is proposed that the four species in the L. fructosum subcluster, Leuconostoc durionis, Leuconostoc ficulneum, Leuconostoc fructosum and Leuconostoc pseudoficulneum, should be transferred to a novel genus, Fructobacillus gen. nov., as Fructobacillus durionis comb. nov. (type strain D-24(T)=LMG 22556(T)=CCUG 49949(T)), Fructobacillus ficulneus comb. nov. (type strain FS-1(T)=DSM 13613(T)=JCM 12225(T)), Fructobacillus fructosus comb. nov. (type strain IFO 3516(T)=DSM 20349(T)=JCM 1119(T)=NRIC 1058(T)) and Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus comb. nov. (type strain LC-51(T)=DSM 15468(T)=CECT 5759(T)). The type species of the genus Fructobacillus is Fructobacillus fructosus gen. nov., comb. nov.. No significant physiological and biochemical differences were found between the species in the L. mesenteroides subcluster and L. fallax in the present study and thus L. fallax remains as a member of the genus Leuconostoc.

Leuconostoc holzapfelii sp. nov., isolated from Ethiopian coffee fermentation and assessment of sequence analysis of housekeeping genes for delineation of Leuconostoc species

A Gram-positive, ovoid lactic acid bacterium, strain LMG 23990(T), was isolated from Ethiopian coffee fermentation. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the novel strain belongs to the genus Leuconostoc, with Leuconostoc citreum and Leuconostoc lactis as the closest neighbours (99.6 and 99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Genotypic fingerprinting by fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism, whole-cell protein electrophoresis, DNA-DNA hybridizations, comparative sequence analysis of pheS, rpoA, atpA, and physiological and biochemical tests allowed us to differentiate strain LMG 23990(T) from all established Leuconostoc species. Strain LMG 23990(T) (=CCUG 54536(T)) therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Leuconostoc holzapfelii sp. nov. is proposed.

First assessment of microbial diversity in faecal microflora of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758) in Portugal

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758), a predator from the Order Carnivora, Family Mustelidae, evolved the ability to swim and forage in water, being an important element of biodiversity. Otters are widely spread through Portugal, and scats have been extensively used in ecology studies; however, valid information on their microbiota is scarce. This work represents a first approach to characterise the otter faecal microflora in samples collected in river stretches of the Sado river basin (Portugal) during winter 2006. Eight sampling stretches of 8 km were selected, and from each, six to eight sampling sites were visited. A total of 31 scats were analysed. The microflora studied included aerobic bacteria, spore-forming anaerobic bacteria and viruses (coronavirus, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus). Bacterial isolates were identified based on morphology and metabolic pathways, and virus detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed the high degree of bacterial diversity in the faecal microflora of L. lutra. A total of 88 Gram-negative (23 genera) and 44 Gram-positive isolates (ten genera) were identified. The identification of four isolates was inconclusive, and their identification was performed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing, which confirms the need for biochemical testing optimisation regarding animal isolates. None of the scats was positive for virus detection. Identification of otter faecal microflora and of potential pathogens is an important first step towards understanding and monitoring their importance in otter population health.

The microbiology of Ghanaian cocoa fermentations analysed using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods

Export of cocoa beans is of great economic importance in Ghana and several other tropical countries. Raw cocoa has an astringent unpleasant taste and a spontaneous fermentation is the first step in a process leading to cocoa beans with the characteristic cocoa flavour and taste. The microbiology of Ghanaian cocoa fermentations was investigated using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Samples were collected at 12 hour intervals during 96-144 hour tray and traditional heap fermentations. Yeast, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), Acetic Acid Bacteria (AAB) and Bacillus spp. were enumerated on suitable substrates and identified using phenotypic and molecular methods. The yeast and bacterial micro-populations involved in the cocoa fermentation were further investigated using the culture-independent method Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophopresis (DGGE). A microbiological succession was observed during the fermentations. At the onset of fermentation yeasts were the dominating microorganisms. Lactic Acid Bacteria became dominant after 12-24 h of fermentation and remained predominant throughout the fermentations with AAB reaching high counts in the mid phase of fermentation. Bacillus spp. were only detected during heap fermentations where they reached high numbers during the later stages of fermentation. Hanseniaspora guilliermondii was the predominant yeast during the initial phase and Pichia membranifaciens during the later phases of fermentation. A number of other yeast species including three putatively undescribed species were isolated during the fermentations. Lactobacillus fermentum was the dominant LAB in most samples. Several other LAB including Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Leuconostoc pseudoficulneum, Pediocococcus acidilactici and a putatively undescribed LAB species were detected during the fermentations. Acetobacter syzygii, Acetobacter pasteurianus and Acetobacter tropicalis were the predominant AAB in all investigated fermentations. During the later stages of heap fermentation Bacillus licheniformis and occasionally other Bacillus spp. were detected in high numbers. In general the culture-based findings were confirmed using DGGE. However, DGGE indicated that Lc. pseudoficulneum plays a more important role during the fermentation of cocoa than expected from the culture-based findings as it yielded a strong band in most DGGE fingerprints. Cluster analysis of the DGGE fingerprints revealed that the DGGE fingerprints clustered according to fermentation site. Within each fermentation site the profiles clustered according to fermentation time. The DGGE method seems to offer a relatively fast and reliable tool for studying yeast and bacterial dynamics during cocoa fermentations.