Vescimonas gen. nov., Vescimonas coprocola sp. nov., Vescimonas fastidiosa sp. nov., Pusillimonas gen. nov. and Pusillimonas faecalis sp. nov. isolated from human faeces.

Six strains of Gram-stain-negative, obligately anaerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile rods were isolated from human faeces. Based on phylogenetic characteristics, the six isolates were included in the family Ruminococcaceae, and divided into three groups. The six isolates showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values lower than 96.2 % to the closely related species, Oscillibacter ruminantium GH1T, Oscillibacter valericigenes Sjm18-20T and Dysosmobacter welbiomis J115T. Coherently with the 16S rRNA gene sequence results, the in silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values clearly indicated that strains MM35T, MM50T and MM59T belong to different species from the closely related three species. Based on phenotypic features and phylogenetic positions, three novel species, Vescimonas coprocola gen. nov., sp. nov., Vescimonas fastidiosa gen. nov., sp. nov. and Pusillimonas faecalis gen. nov., sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of V. coprocola is strain MM50T (=JCM 34012T=DSM 111893T). The type strain of V. fastidiosa is strain MM35T (=JCM 34016T=DSM 111899T). The type strain of P. faecalis is strain MM59T (=JCM 34011T=DSM 111669T). The DNA G+C contents estimated according to the whole genomes of strains MM35T, MM50T and MM59T were 56.4, 58.2 and 55.2 mol%, respectively.

Phascolarctobacterium wakonense sp. nov., isolated from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) faeces.

Two strictly anaerobic strains (MB11T and MB56) were isolated from common marmoset (Callithrixjacchus) faeces. Cells of the two strains were Gram-stain-negative, pleomorphic short (strain MB11T) or long (strain MB56) rods. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that both isolates were related to the genus Phascolarctobacterium. They had 16S rRNA gene sequences similarities lower than 93 % to previously described species, Phascolarctobacterium faecium ACM 3679T and Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens YIT 12067T, and 98.7 % between themselves. DNA-DNA hybridization values showed that strains MB11T and MB56 were the same species. The genomic DNA G+C content of strains MB11T and MB56 were 47.3-47.4 mol% and 47.7-48.0 mol%. The isolates had different enzymatic activities compared with P. succinatutens JCM 16074T and different major cellular fatty acids compared with P. faecium ACM 3679T. Substrate availability revealed that they utilized not only succinate, but also pyruvate. With pyruvate supplementation, they produced both propionate and acetate, while only propionate production occured with succinate. As suggested by the phylogenic and physiological properties of strains MB11T and MB56, we propose the name Phascolarctobacteriumwakonense sp. nov. with the type strain MB11T (=JCM 32899T=DSM 107697T).

Bacteroides caecicola sp. nov. and Bacteroides gallinaceum sp. nov., isolated from the caecum of an Indonesian chicken.

Six strains of anaerobic bacteria, C13EG70T, C13EG118, C13EG186T, C13GAMG5, C13GAMG28 and C13GAMG40, were isolated from the caecum of a healthy chicken bred in Bogor, Indonesia. Phylogenetic analysis showed the isolates were separated into two groups. Group I (C13EG70T and C13EG118) showed nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequences (99.9 % sequence similarity). Group II (C13EG186T, C13GAMG5, C13GAMG28 and C13GAMG40) showed nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequences (>99.4 % sequence similarity). The isolates showed low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to recognized species of the genus Bacteroides. High gene sequence similarities were found between type strains (C13EG70T and C13EG186T) and Bacteroides salanitronis JCM 13657T (87.9, 91.5 %, respectively). Physiological, biochemical and genotypic characteristics demonstrated that these strains could be separated from the type strain of B. salanitronis. It is concluded that Group I and Group II represent novel species. Two novel species of the genus Bacteroides are proposed as Bacteroides caecicola sp. nov. (type strain C13EG70T = LIPI12-4-Ck732T = JSAT12-4-Ck732T = InaCC B449T = NBRC 110958T) and Bacteroides gallinaceum sp. nov. (type strain C13EG186T = LIPI12-4-Ck844T = JSAT12-4-Ck884T = InaCC B451T = NBRC 110963T).

Sporolactobacillus shoreae sp. nov. and Sporolactobacillus spathodeae sp. nov., two spore-forming lactic acid bacteria isolated from tree barks in Thailand.

Two Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming lactic acid bacteria, designated BK92(T) and BK117-1(T), were isolated from tree barks in Thailand. Cells were catalase-negative and facultatively anaerobic rods. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that these strains belonged to the genus Sporolactobacillus . Strains BK92(T) and BK117-1(T) showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sporolactobacillus putidus QC81-06(T) with 97.7% and 97.1% similarity, respectively. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships based on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequencing revealed that the positions of strains BK92(T) and BK117-1(T) were clearly separated from all related species of the genus Sporolactobacillus . Strains BK92(T) and BK117-1(T) had low DNA-DNA relatedness between each other and also with S. putidus QC81-06(T) and Sporolactobacillus vineae SL153(T). The DNA G+C content of strains BK92(T) and BK117-1(T) was 46.6 mol% and 47.4 mol%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strains BK92(T) and BK117-1(T) were anteiso-C(17 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0). They contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan and had menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) as the predominant menaquinone. Based on evidence including phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic studies, strains BK92(T) and BK117-1(T) should be classified as representatives of novel species of the genus Sporolactobacillus , for which the names Sporolactobacillus shoreae sp. nov. and Sporolactobacillus spathodeae sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strains are BK92(T) ( = JCM 19541(T) = LMG 28365(T) = PCU 336(T) = TISTR 2234(T)) and BK117-1(T) ( = JCM 19542(T) = LMG 28366(T) = PCU 337(T) = TISTR 2235(T)).

Bacteroides caecigallinarum sp. nov., isolated from caecum of an Indonesian chicken.

Three strains of anaerobic Gram-stain-negative, short to longer rod-shaped bacteria isolated from the caecum of chicken in Indonesia were studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. These strains belonged to the genus Bacteroides, based on sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and hsp60 (groEL) genes, with similarities of 93.2-94.1 and 89.8-90.8 %, respectively, to the closest recognized species, Bacteroides coprocola JCM 17929T. Sugar fermentation and enzyme characteristics, cellular fatty acid profiles, menaquinone profiles and metabolic end products were also investigated. Furthermore, DNA-DNA hybridization studies confirmed that the three novel strains are different from the closest related species. The strains were also found to be distinct from each other on the basis of ribotype profiles. The DNA G+C contents of the three strains were 41.1-41.8 mol%. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, a novel species, Bacteroides caecigallinarum sp. nov., is proposed (type strain C13EG111T = LIPI12-4-Ck773T = JSAT12-4-Ck773T = InaCC B455T = NBRC 110959T).

Lactobacillus mixtipabuli sp. nov. isolated from total mixed ration silage.

Using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, we investigated three bacterial strains - IWT30T, IWT8 and IWT75 - isolated from total mixed ration silage prepared in Hachimantai, Iwate, Japan. The isolates comprised Gram-stain positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. Good growth occurred at 15-45 °C and at pH 4.0-7.5. Their major cellular fatty acids were C18:1ω9c and C19:1 cyclo 9,10.The G+C content of genomic DNA of strain IWT30T was 44.6 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that these novel strains belonged to the genus Lactobacillus. These strains shared 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and were most closely related to the type strains of Lactobacillus silagei, Lactobacillus odoratitofui, Lactobacillus similis, Lactobacillus collinoides, Lactobacillus paracollinoides and Lactobacillus kimchicus, with sequence similarity values of 99.5, 98.8, 98.7, 97.8, 97.8 and 96.8 %, respectively. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between these strains and their closest phylogenetic neighbours was less than 30 %. On the basis of additional phylogenetic analysis of pheS and rpoA gene sequences and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, we conclude that these three strains represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which we propose the name Lactobacillus mixtipabuli sp. nov. The type strain is IWT30T ( = JCM 19805T = DSM 28580T).

Lactobacillus furfuricola sp. nov., isolated from Nukadoko, rice bran paste for Japanese pickles.

Two strains of lactic acid bacteria, Nu27(T) and Nu29, were isolated from Nukadoko, rice bran paste for Japanese pickles. The isolates were Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, catalase-negative, non-motile and facultatively anaerobic lactic acid bacteria. The isolates showed identical 16S rRNA gene sequences. The closest relatives to strain Nu27(T) based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities were Lactobacillus versmoldensis KU-3(T) (98.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Lactobacillus nodensis iz4b(T) (96.3%) and Lactobacillus tucceti CECT 5290(T) (97.2%). DNA-DNA relatedness values revealed genotype separation of the two isolates from the above three species. Based on the physiological, biochemical and genotypic characteristics provided, the isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which name is Lactobacillus furfuricola proposed. The type strain is Nu 27(T) ( = JCM 18764(T) = NRIC 0900(T) = DSM 27174(T)).

Aerococcus vaginalis sp. nov., isolated from the vaginal mucosa of a beef cow, and emended descriptions of Aerococcus suis, Aerococcus viridans, Aerococcus urinaeequi, Aerococcus urinaehominis, Aerococcus urinae, Aerococcus christensenii and Aerococcus sanguinicola.

A gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative, coccoid-shaped bacterial strain, designated BV2(T), was isolated from the vaginal mucosa of a beef cow in Japan. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (92.9 %) with Aerococcus suis 1821/02(T) and low similarity (<92.7 %) with any other recognized species of the genus Aerococcus. The DNA G+C content was 44.7 mol%, which is within the range observed among species of the genus Aerococcus (37.5-48.4 mol%). The major cellular fatty acid was C18 : 1ω9c, similar to other type strains of species of the genus Aerococcus. The results of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses as well as the low degree of DNA-DNA relatedness with all recognized members of the genus Aerococcus indicate that strain BV2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Aerococcus, for which the name Aerococcus vaginalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BV2(T) ( = JCM 19163(T) = DSM 27293(T)). Emended descriptions of Aerococcus suis, Aerococcus viridans, Aerococcus urinaeequi, Aerococcus urinaehominis, Aerococcus urinae, Aerococcus christensenii and Aerococcus sanguinicola are also presented.

Lactobacillus gorillae sp. nov., isolated from the faeces of captive and wild western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

Four strains of Gram-staining-positive, anaerobic rods were isolated from the faeces of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Three strains, KZ01(T), KZ02 and KZ03, were isolated at the Kyoto City Zoo, Japan, and one strain, GG02, was isolated in the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon. These strains were investigated taxonomically. These strains belonged to the Lactobacillus reuteri phylogenetic group according to phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and specific phenotypic characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains KZ01(T), KZ02, KZ03 and GG02 formed a single monophyletic cluster and had a distinct line of descent. Based on sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene, Lactobacillus fermentum JCM 1173(T) (96.6 %) was the closest neighbour to these novel strains, although it was clear that these strains belonged to a different species. Partial pheS sequences also supported these relationships. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain KZ01(T) and L. fermentum JCM 1173(T) was less than 22 % and the DNA G+C content of strain KZ01(T) was 50.7 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A4ß (l-Orn-d-Asp) and the major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C19 : 1 cyclo 9,10. Therefore, based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and physiological evidence, these strains represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus gorillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KZ01(T) ( = JCM 19575(T) = DSM 28356(T)).

Bifidobacterium moukalabense sp. nov., isolated from the faeces of wild west lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

Gram-staining-positive anaerobic rods were isolated from the faeces of a wild lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon, and strain GG01(T) was taxonomically investigated. Based on phylogenetic analyses and specific phenotypic characteristics, the strain belonged to the genus Bifidobacterium. Phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain GG01(T) formed a single monophyletic cluster and had a distinct line of descent. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the type strains of Bifidobacterium catenulatum JCM 1194(T) (98.3%) and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (98.1%) JCM 1200(T) were the most closely related to this novel strain, although it was clear that they belonged to different species. hsp60 sequences also supported these relationships. The DNA G+C content of this novel strain was 60.1 mol%. Bifidobacterium moukalabense sp. nov. (type strain GG01(T) = JCM 18751(T) = DSM 27321(T)) is proposed.

Lactobacillus hokkaidonensis sp. nov., isolated from subarctic timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.) silage.

Four strains of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, catalase-negative and non-motile lactic acid bacteria, LOOC260(T), LOOC253, LOOC273 and LOOC279, were isolated from timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.) silage produced in Hokkaido, a subarctic region of Japan. These isolates grew at 4-37 °C, indicating the psychrotolerant nature of these strains. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA and pheS gene sequences, as well as biochemical and physiological characteristics, indicated that these four strains were members of the genus Lactobacillus. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain LOOC260(T) demonstrated that the closest neighbours were the type strains of Lactobacillus suebicus (97.7 %), Lactobacillus oligofermentans (96.7 %) and Lactobacillus vaccinostercus (96.7 %). Strain LOOC260(T) showed low levels of DNA-DNA association with Lactobacillus suebicus JCM 9504(T) (14.7 ± 3.5 %), Lactobacillus oligofermentans JCM 16175(T) (15.1 ± 4.8 %) and Lactobacillus vaccinostercus JCM 1716(T) (10.7 ± 3.0 %). The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C19 : 1 cyclo 9,10. On the basis of phenotypic, physiological and phylogenetic evidence, these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus hokkaidonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LOOC260(T) ( = JCM 18461(T) = DSM 26202(T)).

Lactobacillus oryzae sp. nov., isolated from fermented rice grain (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica).

The taxonomic position of three Lactobacillus-like micro-organisms (strains SG293(T), SG296 and SG310) isolated from fermented rice grain (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica) in Japan was investigated. These heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria were Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and did not show catalase activity. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain SG293(T) revealed that the type strains of Lactobacillus malefermentans (98.3 %), Lactobacillus odoratitofui (96.2 %), Lactobacillus similis (96.1 %), Lactobacillus kimchicus (96.1 %), Lactobacillus paracollinoides (95.9 %) and Lactobacillus collinoides (95.7 %) were the closest neighbours. Additional phylogenetic analysis on the basis of pheS and rpoA gene sequences, as well as biochemical and physiological characteristics, indicated that these three strains were members of the genus Lactobacillus and that the novel isolates had a unique taxonomic position. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C19 : 1 cyclo 9,10. Because low DNA-DNA hybridization values among the isolates and Lactobacillus malefermentans JCM 12497(T) were observed, it is proposed that these unidentified isolates be classified as a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus oryzae sp. nov. The type strain is SG293(T) (= JCM 18671(T) = DSM 26518(T)).

Weissella oryzae sp. nov., isolated from fermented rice grains.

A taxonomic study was conducted on two Gram-reaction-positive, catalase-negative, irregular short-rod-shaped or coccoid lactic acid bacteria, designated strains SG25(T) and SG23, that were isolated from grains of fermented Japanese rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data clearly showed that the strains belonged to the genus Weissella and were most closely related to Weissella soli LMG 20113(T) (with a sequence similarity of 96.9 % for each novel strain). The peptidoglycan of each strain contained the amino acids glutamic acid, lysine, serine and alanine in a molar ratio of 1.0 : 1.2 : 0.5 : 3.0, respectively. On the basis of the unusual phenotypic characteristics of the novel strains and the low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness recorded between each novel strain and Weissella soli JCM 12536(T), strains SG25(T) and SG23 represent a single novel species in the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella oryzae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG25(T) ( = JCM 18191(T)  = DSM 25784(T)).

Parabacteroides chinchillae sp. nov., isolated from chinchilla (Chincilla lanigera) faeces.

Strains of Gram-stain-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) faeces, and strain ST166(T) was investigated taxonomically. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ST166(T) belonged to the genus Parabacteroides. Strain ST166(T) formed a distinct line of descent, and the highest sequence similarity to ST166(T) was found with Parabacteroides merdae JCM 9497(T) (95.6%) and Parabacteroides johnsonii JCM 13406(T) (95.0%). Analysis of hsp60 gene sequences also supported these relationships. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel species Parabacteroides chinchillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of P. chinchillae sp. nov. is ST166(T) ( = JCM 17104(T) =CCUG 62154(T)).

Description of Lactobacillus iwatensis sp. nov., isolated from orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) silage, and Lactobacillus backii sp. nov.

Two bacterial strains, designated IWT246(T) and IWT248, were isolated from orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) silage from Iwate prefecture, Japan, and examined for a taxonomic study. Both organisms were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic and homofermentative. The cell wall did not contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C19 cyclo 9,10/:1. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA, pheS and rpoA gene sequences revealed that these strains were novel and belonged to the genus Lactobacillus. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the isolates were most closely related to the type strains of the following members of the genus Lactobacillus: Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. coryniformis (96.7 % similarity), L. coryniformis subsp. torquens (96.6 %), L. bifermentans (95.5 %) and L. rennini (94.1 %). However, the 16S rRNA gene sequences of both IWT246(T) and IWT248 were 99.7 % similar to that of 'Lactobacillus backi' JCM 18665; this name has not been validly published. Genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses confirmed that these novel strains occupy a unique taxonomic position. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments demonstrated genotypic separation of the novel isolates from related Lactobacillus species. The name Lactobacillus iwatensis sp. nov. is proposed for the novel isolates, with strain IWT246(T) ( = JCM 18838(T) = DSM 26942(T)) as the type strain. Our results also suggest that 'L. backi' does represent a novel Lactobacillus species. The cells did not contain meso-diaminopimelic acid in their cell-wall peptidoglycan and the major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C19 cyclo 9,10/:1 and summed feature 10 (one or more of C18 : 1ω11c, C18 : 1ω9t, C18 : 1ω6t and unknown ECL 17.834). We therefore propose the corrected name Lactobacillus backii sp. nov., with the type strain JCM 18665(T) ( = LMG 23555(T) = DSM 18080(T) = L1062(T)).

Lactobacillus silagei sp. nov., isolated from orchardgrass silage.

A Gram-reaction-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming and catalase-negative rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated IWT126(T), was isolated from orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) silage preserved in Hachimantai, Iwate, Japan. The isolate showed growth at 15-45 °C, pH 3.5-7.5 and with 4.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The cell wall peptidoglycan did not contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the DNA G+C content was 45.6 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C19 : 1 cyclo 9,10. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain IWT126(T) was classified as a member of the genus Lactobacillus and was most closely related to Lactobacillus odoratitofui YIT 11304(T) (98.7 %), Lactobacillus similis JCM 2765(T) (98.5 %), Lactobacillus collinoides JCM 1123(T) (97.6 %), Lactobacillus paracollinoides DSM 15502(T) (97.6 %) and Lactobacillus kimchicus DCY51(T) (96.9 %). Based on sequence analysis of the phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase α-subunit (pheS) gene, strain IWT126(T) was well separated from its phylogenetic neighbours in the genus Lactobacillus. Based on physiological, biochemical and genotypic results, as well as low DNA-DNA relatedness to recognized phylogenetic relatives in the genus Lactobacillus, classification of strain IWT126(T) as a representive of a novel species named Lactobacillus silagei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IWT126(T) ( = JCM 19001(T) = DSM 27022(T)).

Lactobacillus nasuensis sp. nov., a lactic acid bacterium isolated from silage, and emended description of the genus Lactobacillus.

Two strains of lactic acid bacteria, designated SU 18(T) and SU 83, were isolated from silage prepared with Sudan grass [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.]. The isolates were Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic rods that did not produce gas from glucose. The isolates exhibited ≥93.5 % DNA-DNA relatedness to each other and shared the same phenotypic characteristics, which indicated that they belonged to a single species. The DNA G+C content was 58.5-59.2 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates were placed in the genus Lactobacillus. Their closest phylogenetic neighbours were Lactobacillus manihotivorans JCM 12514(T) and Lactobacillus camelliae JCM 13995(T) (95.9 and 96.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively, with strain SU 18(T)). Ribotyping revealed that strain SU 18(T) was well separated from L. manihotivorans JCM 12514(T) and L. camelliae JCM 13995(T). Strain SU 18(T) exhibited ≤23.7 % DNA-DNA relatedness with its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The isolates represent a novel species in the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus nasuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SU 18(T) ( = JCM 17158(T)  = CGMCC 1.10801(T)). The description of the genus Lactobacillus is also amended.

Bacteroides stercorirosoris sp. nov. and Bacteroides faecichinchillae sp. nov., isolated from chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) faeces.

Strains of gram-negative anaerobic rods were isolated from chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) faeces, and three strains, ST161(T), ST33 and ST37(T), were investigated taxonomically. Based on phylogenetic analyses and specific phenotypic characteristics, the three strains were allocated to the genus Bacteroides. Phylogenetic analyses of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ST161(T) formed a distinct line of descent, with highest sequence similarity to strain ST33 (98.7 %) and Bacteroides oleiciplenus JCM 16102(T) (97.7 %). High levels of DNA-DNA relatedness (79-89 %) were found between strains ST161(T) and ST33, but low levels were found between strain ST161(T) and B. oleiciplenus JCM 16102(T) (33-37 %) and between strain ST33 and B. oleiciplenus JCM 16102(T) (33-37 %). These data clearly indicated that strains ST161(T) and ST33 represent a single novel species. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that strain ST37(T) also formed a distinct line of descent, with highest sequence similarity to Bacteroides acidifaciens JCM 10556(T) (96.5 %) and Bacteroides caccae JCM 9498(T) (95.6 %). Analysis of hsp60 gene sequences also supported these relationships. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, two novel species, Bacteroides stercorirosoris sp. nov. and Bacteroides faecichinchillae sp. nov., are thus proposed. The type strains of B. stercorirosoris and B. faecichinchillae are ST161(T) ( = JCM 17103(T) = CCUG 60872(T)) and ST37(T) ( = JCM 17102(T) = CCUG 60873(T)), respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strains ST161(T) and ST37(T) were 45.7 and 41.0 mol%, respectively.

Reclassification of Lactobacillus kimchii and Lactobacillus bobalius as later subjective synonyms of Lactobacillus paralimentarius.

Characterization and identification of strain CW 1 ( = JCM 17161) isolated from corn silage were performed. Strain CW 1 was a Gram-positive, catalase-negative and homofermentative rod that produced the DL-form of lactic acid. This strain exhibited more than 99.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and greater than 82% DNA-DNA reassociation with type strains of Lactobacillus kimchii, L. bobalius and L. paralimentarius. To clarify the taxonomic positions of these type strains, phenotypic characterization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, ribotyping and DNA-DNA relatedness were examined. The three type strains displayed different L-arabinose, lactose, melibiose, melezitose, raffinose and N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase fermentation patterns. Phylogenetic analysis showed that L. paralimentarius is a closer neighbour of L. kimchii and L. bobalius, sharing 99.5-99.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, which was confirmed by the high DNA-DNA relatedness (≥82%) between L. paralimentarius JCM 10415(T), L. bobalius JCM 16180(T) and L. kimchii JCM 10707(T). Therefore, it is proposed that L. kimchii and L. bobalius should be reclassified as later synonyms of L. paralimentarius.