Characterization and the first complete genome sequence of a novel strain of Bergeyella porcorum isolated from pigs in China.

BACKGROUND: Bergeyella porcorum is a newly identified bacterium that has an ambiguous relationship with pneumonia in pigs. However, few studies have adequately characterized this species. RESULTS: In this study, we analyzed the morphological, physiological, and genomic characteristics of the newly identified B. porcorum sp. nov. strain QD2021 isolated from pigs. The complete genome sequence of the B. porcorum QD2021 strain consists of a single circular chromosome (2,271,736 bp, 38.51% G + C content), which encodes 2,578 genes. One plasmid with a size of 70,040 bp was detected. A total of 121 scattered repeat sequences, 319 tandem repeat sequences, 4 genomic islands, 5 prophages, 3 CRISPR sequences, and 51 ncRNAs were predicted. The coding genes of the B. porcorum genome were successfully annotated across eight databases (NR, GO, KEGG, COG, TCDB, Pfam, Swiss-Prot and CAZy) and four pathogenicity-related databases (PHI, CARD, VFDB and ARDB). In addition, a comparative genome analysis was performed to explore the evolutionary relationships of B. porcorum QD2021. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide fundamental phenotypic and whole-genome sequences for B. porcorum. Our results extensively expand the current knowledge and could serve as a valuable genomic resource for future research on B. porcorum.

Proposal of Paenimyroides marinum (Song et al. 2013) comb. nov. to replace the illegitimate name Paenimyroides aquimaris (García-López et al. 2020) Zhang et al. 2023.

In this article, the author addresses the issue of nomenclatural illegitimacy of Paenimyroides aquimaris (García-López et al. 2020) Zhang et al. 2023. This name was formed without re-establishment of the earlier legitimate epithet marinum and should be considered to be illegitimate according to Rule 41a. As required by Rule 54, the author proposes Paenimyroides marinum (Song et al. 2013) as a new combination to replace the illegitimate name Paenimyroides aquimaris.

Maribellus mangrovi sp. nov., an iron-reducing bacterium isolated from mangrove sediment.

A novel facultatively anaerobic and Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated FJH33T, was isolated from mangrove sediment sampled in Zhangzhou, PR China. Cells of strain FJH33T were rod-shaped or slightly curved-shaped, with widths of 0.3-0.5 µm and lengths of 1.0-3.0 µm. Optimum growth of strain FJH33T occurred in the presence of 3 % NaCl (w/v), at 33 °C and at pH 7.0. Oxidase activity was negative, while catalase activity was positive. Its iron-reducing ability was determined. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain FJH33T was most closely related to Maribellus luteus XSD2T (95.1 %), followed by Maribellus sediminis Y2-1-60T (95.0 %) and Maribellus maritimus 5E3T (94.9 %). Genome analysis of strains FJH33T and M. luteus XSD2T revealed low genome relatedness, with an average nucleotide identity value of 73.8% and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 19.0%. Phylogenetic trees built from 16S rRNA genes and genome sequences showed that strain FJH33T represents a relatively independent phylogenetic lineage within the genus Maribellus. The major cellular fatty acids (≥10 %) were iso-C15 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω9c. The sole respiratory quinone was MK-7. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidyglycerol and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content was 41.4 mol%. Based on the integrated results of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characterizations, we propose that strain FJH33T represents a novel species of the genus Maribellus, for which the name Maribellus mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FJH33T (=KCTC 102210T=MCCC 1H01459T).

Niabella defluvii sp. nov., isolated from influent water of a wastewater treatment plant.

Strain I65T (=KACC 22647T=JCM 35315T), a novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, and orange-pigmented bacterium was isolated from influent water of a wastewater treatment system after treatment with several antibiotics, such as meropenem, gentamicin, and macrolide. The newly identified bacterial strain I65T exhibits significant multi-drug and heavy metal resistance characteristics. Strain I65T was grown in Reasoner's 2A medium [0 %-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %), pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and 20-45°C (optimum, 30 °C)]. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that strain I65T was closely related to Niabella yanshanensis CCBAU 05354T (99.56 % sequence similarity), Niabella hibiscisoli THG-DN5.5T (97.51 %), and Niabella ginsengisoli GR10-1T (97.09 %). Further analysis of the whole-genome sequence confirmed that the digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, and average amino acid identity values between strain I65T and N. yanshanensis CCBAU 05354T were 23.4, 80.7, and 85.0 %, respectively, suggesting that strain I65T is distinct from N. yanshanensis. The genome size of strain I65T was 6.1 Mbp, as assessed using the Oxford Nanopore platform, and its genomic DNA G+C content was 43.0 mol%. The major fatty acids of strain I65T were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 1 G, and the major respiratory quinone was MK-7. Moreover, the major polar lipid of strain I65T was phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotype data, strain I65T represents a novel species belonging to the genus Niabella, for which the name Niabella defluvii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is I65T (=KACC 22647T=JCM 35315T).

Gilvirhabdus luticola gen. nov., sp. nov., a mesophilic and halophilic bacterium isolated from tidal flat sediment.

Two novel bacteria, MJ-SS3T and MJ-SS4, were isolated from tidal flat sediment sampled in Gochang, Republic of Korea. The isolates were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, yellow-coloured, oxidase-positive, and catalase-positive. Strains MJ-SS3T and MJ-SS4 grew at 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6-8 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0 % NaCl). Strains MJ-SS3T and MJ-SS4 showed 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Phylogenetic analysis based on genome and 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains MJ-SS3T and MJ-SS4 were affiliated with the family Flavobacteriaceae and most closely related to Formosa maritima 1494T (95.3 %), Hanstruepera flava NBU2984T (95.2 %), Yeosuana marina JLT21T (95.2 %), Meridianimaribacter flavus NH57NT (95.1 %), and Geojedonia litorea YCS-16T (95.1 %). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major identified polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and amino lipids. The major cellular fatty acids of strain MJ-SS3T were iso-C15 : 1 G (24.6 %), iso-C15 : 0 (21.6 %), and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (15.8 %). The genome length of strain MJ-SS3T is 3.1 Mbp (DNA G+C content, 32.5 mol%) and it has 2822 coding and 59 tRNA genes. The average amino acid identity and average nucleotide identity values, as well as biochemical, phylogenetic, and physiological characteristics, strongly supported the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strains MJ-SS3T and MJ-SS4 from other members of the family Flavobacteriaceae. Hence, strains MJ-SS3T and MJ-SS4 are considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the Gilvirhabdus luticola gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MJ-SS3T (=KCTC 102114T=KEMB 20189T=JCM 36595T), with reference strain MJ-SS4 (=KCTC 102115=KEMB 20190).

Aequorivita flava sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediments.

Three Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, chemoheterotrophic, short-rod-shaped bacteria, designated CDY1-MB1T, CDY2-MB3, and BDY3-MB2, were isolated from three marine sediment samples collected in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these strains were related to the genus Aequorivita and close to the type strain of Aequorivita vitellina F4716T (with similarities of 98.0-98.1%). Strain CDY1-MB1T can grow at 15-37 °C (optimum 30 °C) and in media with pH 6-9 (optimum, pH 7), and tolerate up to 10% (w/v) NaCl. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain CDY1-MB1T were iso-C15 : 0 (20.7%) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (12.8%); the sole respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6; the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization/average nucleotide identity values between strains CDY1-MB1T, CDY2-MB3, and BDY3-MB2 and A. vitellina F4716T were 24.7%/81.6-81.7%, thereby indicating that strain CDY1-MB1T should represent a novel species of the genus Aequorivita. The genomic DNA G+C contents were 37.6 % in all three strains. Genomic analysis showed the presence of genes related to nitrogen and sulphur cycling, as well as metal reduction. The genetic traits of these strains indicate their possible roles in nutrient cycling and detoxification processes, potentially shaping the deep-sea ecosystem's health and resilience. Based upon the consensus of phenotypic and genotypic analyses, strain CDY1-MB1T should be classified as a novel species of the genus Aequorivita, for which the name Aequorivita flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CDY1-MB1T (=MCCC 1A16935T=KCTC 102223T).

Molecular characterization of the multi-drug resistant Myroides odoratimimus isolates: a whole genome sequence-based study to confirm carbapenem resistance.

The bacteria belonging to the Myroides genus are opportunistic pathogens causing community or hospital-acquired infections that result in treatment failure due to antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, clonal relatedness, and the biofilm forming capacity of the 51 multi-drug resistant Myroides odoratimimus. All isolates were screened for blaKPC, blaOXA, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaMUS, blaTUS, blaNDM, and blaB genes by using PCR amplification. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was applied on three randomly selected isolates for further investigation of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Clonal relatedness was analyzed by Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and the microtiter plate method was used to demonstrate biofilm formation. All isolates were positive for biofilm formation. PCR analysis resulted in a positive for only the blaMUS-1 gene. WGS identified blaMUS-1, erm(F), ere(D), tet(X), and sul2 genes in all strains tested. Moreover, the genomic analyses of three strains revealed that genomes contained a large number of virulence factors (VFs). PFGE yielded a clustering rate of 96%. High clonal relatedness, biofilm formation, and multi-drug resistance properties may lead to the predominance of these opportunistic pathogens in hospital environments and make them cause nosocomial infections.

Salegentibacter lacus sp. nov. and Salegentibacter tibetensis sp. nov., isolated from hypersaline lakes on the Tibetan Plateau.

Two Gram-stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped and non-motile strains (LM13ST and JZCK2T) were isolated from hypersaline lakes in China. The colonies of both strains were yellow-pigmented and convex. Both strains could grow at 4-34 °C, pH 6.5-9.0 and with 1.0-13.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Comparisons based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains LM13ST and JZCK2T share less than 98.3 % similarity with species of the genus Salegentibacter. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on 16S rRNA gene sequences also showed that Salegentibacter species are the most closely related neighbours of strains LM13ST and JZCK2T. The sequenced draft genome sizes of strains LM13ST and JZCK2T are 4.06 and 4.22 Mbp with G+C contents of 37.0 and 37.8 mol%, respectively. The phylogenomic tree reconstructed using the Up-to-date Bacterial Core Gene set pipeline also demonstrated that both strains belong to the genus Salegentibacter. The calculated pairwise average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strains LM13ST and JZCK2T and Salegentibacter species were less than 86.4 and 32.0 %, respectively. The respiratory quinone in both strains was MK-6. Their major fatty acids were iso-C12 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, C15 : 1 ω10c, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C17 : 1 ω10c. Their major polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid, but strain LM13ST also contained one more unidentified aminolipid, one more unidentified lipid and one unidentified phospholipid. Combining the above descriptions, strains LM13ST and JZCK2T should represent two independent novel species of the genus Salegentibacter, for which the names Salegentibacter lacus sp. nov. (type strain LM13ST=GDMCC 1.2643T=KCTC 82861T) and Salegentibacter tibetensis sp. nov. (type strain JZCK2T=GDMCC 1.2621T=KCTC 82862T) are proposed.

Muricauda aurea sp. nov. and Muricauda profundi sp. nov., two marine bacteria isolated from deep sea sediment of Pacific Ocean.

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, carotenoid-pigmented and non-flagellated bacteria, designated BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T, were isolated from polyethylene-terephthalate-degrading bacterial consortia enriched from deep-sea sediment collected in the Pacific Ocean. Optimal growth of both strains was observed at 28-32 °C, at pH 7.5 and in the presence of 3-4% (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T were closely related to Muricauda aquimarina JCM 11811T, Muricauda lutimaris KCTC 22173T, Muricauda ruestringensis DSM 13258T, Muricauda zhangzhouensis DSM 25030T, Muricauda oceani JCM 33902T and Muricauda oceanensis KCTC 72200T with 96.8-98.9% sequence similarity. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T was 97.5%. The genomic G+C contents of strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T were 42.1 and 41.6 mol%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain BC31-3-A3T, strain BC31-1-A7T and their six closely related type strains were 77.6-84.3% and 20.5-27.9%, respectively. Menaquinone-6 was detected as the major isoprenoid quinone in all strains. Their major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids of strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T were identified as one phosphatidylethanolamine, some unidentified polar lipids and one aminolipid. Based on their distinct taxonomic characteristics, strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T represent two novel species in the genus Muricauda. The names proposed to accommodate these two strains are Muricauda aurea sp. nov. and Muricauda profundi sp. nov., and the type strains are BC31-1-A7T (=MCCC M23246T=KCTC 82569T) and BC31-3-A3T (=MCCC M23216T=KCTC 82302T), respectively.

Aequorivita iocasae sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from sediment collected at a cold seep field in the South China Sea.

A moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain KX20305T, was isolated from sediment collected from a cold seep field in the South China Sea. Cells of strain KX20305T were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, and grew optimally at 25-30 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and with 3-6 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KX20305T grouped with members of the genus Aequorivita, including Aequorivita aquimaris D-24T (98.3 % sequence similarity), Aequorivita vladivostokensis KMM 3516T (98.1 %) and Aequorivita echinoideorum CC-CZW007T (97.5 %). Genome sequencing of strain KX20305T revealed a genome size of 3.35 Mb and a DNA G+C content of 38.71 mol%. Genomic average nucleotide identity (orthoANI) values of strain KX20305T with A. aquimaris D-24T, A. vladivostokensis KMM 3516T and A. echinoideorum JCM 30378T were 83.8, 81.7 and 75.4 %, respectively, while in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (GGDC) values for strain KX20305T with these strains were 27.2, 25.0 and 19.6 %, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain KX20305T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and 10-methyl C16 : 0/iso-C17 : 1 ω9c. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). The polar lipids mainly comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. Based on comparative analysis of phylogenetic, phylogenomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KX20305T represents a novel species of the genus Aequorivita, for which the name Aequorivita iocasae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KX20305T (=KCTC 82699T=MCCC 1K06238T=JCM 34635T).

Candidatus Kaistella beijingensis sp. nov., Isolated from a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant, Is Involved in Sludge Foaming.

Biological foaming (or biofoaming) is a frequently occurring problem in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and is attributed to the overwhelming growth of filamentous bulking and foaming bacteria (BFB). Biological foaming has been intensively investigated, with BFB like Microthrix and Skermania having been identified from WWTPs and implicated in foaming. Nevertheless, studies are still needed to improve our understanding of the microbial diversity of WWTP biofoams and how microbial activities contribute to foaming. In this study, sludge foaming at the Qinghe WWTP of China was monitored, and sludge foams were investigated using culture-dependent and culture-independent microbiological methods. The foam microbiomes exhibited high abundances of Skermania, Mycobacterium, Flavobacteriales, and Kaistella. A previously unknown bacterium, Candidatus Kaistella beijingensis, was cultivated from foams, its genome was sequenced, and it was phenotypically characterized. Ca. K. beijingensis exhibits hydrophobic cell surfaces, produces extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and metabolizes lipids. Ca. K. beijingensis abundances were proportional to EPS levels in foams. Several proteins encoded by the Ca. K. beijingensis genome were identified from EPS that was extracted from sludge foams. Ca. K. beijingensis populations accounted for 4 to 6% of the total bacterial populations in sludge foam samples within the Qinghe WWTP, although their abundances were higher in spring than in other seasons. Cooccurrence analysis indicated that Ca. K. beijingensis was not a core node among the WWTP community network, but its abundances were negatively correlated with those of the well-studied BFB Skermania piniformis among cross-season Qinghe WWTP communities. IMPORTANCE Biological foaming, also known as scumming, is a sludge separation problem that has become the subject of major concern for long-term stable activated sludge operation in decades. Biological foaming was considered induced by foaming bacteria. However, the occurrence and deterioration of foaming in many WWTPs are still not completely understood. Cultivation and characterization of the enriched bacteria in foaming are critical to understand their genetic, physiological, phylogenetic, and ecological traits, as well as to improve the understanding of their relationships with foaming and performance of WWTPs.

Aestuariibaculum sediminum sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat in Zhoushan.

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated as strain TT11T, was isolated from a sediment sample of a tidal flat connected in Zhoushan, China. Cells of strain TT11T are spherical, halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and produce carotenoid-like pigments. Colonies were 0.5-1.0 mm diameter, smooth, round, convex and orange-yellow after growth on marine agar at 30 °C for 24 h. Growth of the strain TT11T was observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 6.5), and in the presence of 0-8.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5-1.0%). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain TT11T represents a member of the genus Aestuariibaculum and was closely related to Aestuariibaculum suncheonense SC17T (97.2%) and Aestuariibaculum marinum IP7T (96.8%). The G + C content of the genome was 34.6%. The only respiratory quinone was MK-6. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphoglycolipid, four unidentified aminolipids, four unidentified lipids and two unidentified glycolipids. On the basis of these genomic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose a novel species Aestuariibaculum sediminum sp. nov. with the type strain TT11T (= KCTC 82195T = MCCC 1K04734T).

Tamlana haliotis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of the abalone Haliotis rubra.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, yellow-pigmented rod-shaped and alginate-degrading bacterium, designated B1N29T, was isolated from the gut of the abalone Haliotis rubra obtained in Weihai, China. Strain B1N29T was found to grow at 4-35 ℃ (optimum, 25 ℃), at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum, 7.0-7.5) and in the presence of 0.5-9% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). Cells were positive for oxidase and catalase activity. The 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nearest phylogenetic neighbors of strain B1N29T were Tamlana carrageenivorans KCTC 62451T (98.2%) and Tamlana agarivorans KCTC 22176T (97.7%). Based on the phylogenomic analysis, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain B1N29T and the neighbor strains were 79.2 and 79.0%, respectively; the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain B1N29T and its two closest neighbors were 22.8 and 23.0%, respectively. Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was detected as the sole respiratory quinone. The dominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:1 G. The polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, one aminophospholipid, seven aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain B1N29T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tamlana, for which the name Tamlana haliotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B1N29T (= KCTC 72683T = MCCC 1H00394T).

Hanstruepera crassostreae He et al. 2018 is a later heterotypic synonym of Pseudobizionia ponticola Park et al. 2018.

Hanstruepera crassostreae L53T was compared with Pseudobizionia ponticola MM-14T to examine the taxonomic relationship between the two type strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of H. crassostreae L53T had complete similarity (100.0%) to that of P. ponticola MM-14T. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains formed a tight cluster within the genus Pseudobizionia. Draft genomic comparison between the two strains revealed an average nucleotide identity of 96.9 % and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization estimate of 75.3±2.8 %, strongly indicating that the two strains represented a single species. In addition, neither strain displayed any striking difference in metabolic, physiological or chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, we propose that Hanstruepera crassostreae is a later heterotypic synonym of Pseudobizionia ponticola.

Zobellia roscoffensis sp. nov. and Zobellia nedashkovskayae sp. nov., two flavobacteria from the epiphytic microbiota of the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum, and emended description of the genus Zobellia.

Four marine bacterial strains were isolated from a thallus of the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum collected in Roscoff, France. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, gliding, rod-shaped and grew optimally at 25-30 °C, at pH 7-8 and with 2-4 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses of their 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the bacteria were affiliated to the genus Zobellia (family Flavobacteriaceae, phylum Bacteroidetes). The four strains exhibited 97.8-100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values among themselves, 97.9-99.1 % to the type strains of Zobellia amurskyensis KMM 3526T and Zobellia laminariae KMM 3676T, and less than 99 % to other species of the genus Zobellia. The DNA G+C content of the four strains ranged from 36.7 to 37.7 mol%. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization calculations between the new strains and other members of the genus Zobellia resulted in values of 76.4-88.9 % and below 38.5 %, respectively. Phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses showed that the four strains are distinct from species of the genus Zobellia with validly published names. They represent two novel species of the genus Zobellia, for which the names Zobellia roscoffensis sp. nov. and Zobellia nedashkovskayae sp. nov. are proposed with Asnod1-F08T (RCC6906T=KMM 6823T=CIP 111902T) and Asnod2-B07-BT (RCC6908T=KMM 6825T=CIP 111904T), respectively, as the type strains.

Mesonia hitae sp. nov., isolated from the seawater of the South Atlantic Ocean.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic and short rod-shaped bacterial strain R32T, was isolated from seawater of the South Atlantic Ocean. Strain R32T grew at 10-40 °C (optimum 28 °C), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum 7.0), and in the presence of 3-8 % NaCl (w/v) (optimum 5 %). Cells were oxidase- and catalase-positive. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain R32T shared the highest similarities with Mesonia oceanica (98.3 %), followed by Salegentibacter salarius (93.0 %), Salegentibacter mishustinae (92.8 %), Salegentibacter salegens (92.5 %) and Mesonia maritima (92.4 %). The dominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (32.7 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (21.1 %). Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was detected as the sole respiratory quinone. The polar lipids found were phosphatidylethanolamine, three aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 35.0 mol%. The ANI value and dDDH value between strain R32T and the Salegentibacter and Mesonia species were 70.5-85.8 % and 18.7-30.5 %, respectively. Based on the results of the polyphasic characterization, strain R32T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mesonia, for which the name Mesonia hitae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R32T (=MCCC 1A09780T=KCTC 72004T).

Elizabethkingia argenteiflava sp. nov., isolated from the pod of soybean, Glycine max.

Soybean pods, separated and enclosed from the outside environment, are considered a suitable place to find new microbes. A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic bacterium, bacterial strain (YB22T) was isolated from the pod of Glycine max (soybean) collected from a rural area in Republic of Korea and characterized by using polyphasic taxonomy. Cells of the strain were rod-shaped (approximately 0.4-0.6 µm wide and 4.0-5.0 µm long), non-flagellated and formed silver-yellow colonies. Cells grew at 25-35 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0-2.0% NaCl (optimum, 0 % NaCl). 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain YB22T was phylogenetically closest to the genus Elizabethkingia, and showed highest similarities to Elizabethkingia occulta G4070T (96.7 %), Elizabethkingia meningoseptica ATCC 13253T (96.7 %), Elizabethkingia miricola DSM 14571T (96.6 %), Elizabethkingia bruuniana G0146T (96.5 %), Elizabethkingia ursingii G4122T (96.4 %) and Elizabethkingia anophelis R26T (96.2 %). Average amino acid identity values between strain YB22T and other taxa in the genus Elizabethkingia were all above the threshold range of genus determination. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain YB22T and other phylogenetic relatives were all found to be below the threshold range for species determination. The respiratory quinone of strain YB22T was menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (47.8 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (18.5 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical data showed that strain YB22T should represent a novel species in the genus Elizabethkingia, for which the name Elizabethkingia argenteiflava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain for this novel species is YB22T (=KCCM 43263T=JCM 32097T).

Muriicola soli sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, aerobic, orange-pigmented, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium designated strain MMS17-SY002T was isolated from island soil. The isolate grew at 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7) and in the presence of 0.5-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MMS17-SY002T was mostly related to the genus Muriicola of the family Flavobacteriaceae and had highest sequence similarity of 96.82 % to Muriicola marianensis A6B8T and Muriicola jejuensis EM44T, but formed a distinct phylogenetic line within the genus. Chemotaxonomic analyses showed that menaquinone 6 was the predominant isoprenoid quinone, the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0, and the diagnostic polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.4 mol%. Strain MMS17-SY002T could be distinguished from related species by the combination of trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, acid phosphatase, naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase, α-galactosidase, ß-galactosidase and ß-glucosidase activities. The orthologous average nucleotide identity between the genomes of strain MMS17-SY002T and M. jejuensis and that between the strain and M. marianensis A6B8T were 73.26 and 73.33%, respectively, thus confirming the separation of the strain from related species at species level. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and genomic characterization, MMS17-SY002T should be recognized as a novel species of the genus Muriicola, for which the name Muriicola soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MMS17-SY002T (=KCTC 62790T=JCM 32370T).

Kordia aestuariivivens sp. nov. and Olleya sediminilitoris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

Two Gram-stain-negative and non-flagellated bacteria, YSTF-M3T and YSTF-M6T, were isolated from a tidal flat from Yellow Sea, Republic of Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains YSTF-M3T and YSTF-M6T belong to the genera Kordia and Olleya of the family Flavobacteriaceae, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain YSTF-M3T and the type strains of Kordia species and between strain YSTF-M6T and the type strains of Olleya species were 94.1-98.4 and 97.3-98.3 %, respectively. The ANI and dDDH values between genomic sequences of strain YSTF-M3T and the type strains of five Kordia species and between those of strain YSTF-M6T and the type strains of three Olleya species were in ranges of 77.0-83.2 and 20.7-27.1 % and 79.4-81.5 and 22.3-23.9 %, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strain YSTF-M3T and YSTF-M6T from genomic sequences were 34.1 and 31.1 %, respectively. Both strains contained MK-6 as predominant menaquinone and phosphatidylethanolamine as only major phospholipid identified. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strains YSTF-M3T and YSTF-M6T are separated from recognized species of the genera Kordia and Olleya, respectively. On the basis of the data presented, strains YSTF-M3T (=KACC 21639T=NBRC 114499T) and YSTF-M6T (=KACC 21640T=NBRC 114500T) are considered to represent novel species of the genera Kordia and Olleya, respectively, for which the names Kordia aestuariivivens sp. nov. and Olleya sediminilitoris sp. nov. are proposed.

Algibacter onchidii sp. nov., a symbiotic bacterium isolated from a marine invertebrate.

A novel symbiotic bacterium, designated strain XY-114T, was isolated from the cerata of an Onchidium marine invertebrate species collected in the South China Sea. Strain XY-114T was an aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and short rod-shaped bacterium (0.5-0.8 µm wide and 1.0-1.5 µm long) without flagellum. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain XY-114T belonged to the genus Algibacter with the highest similarity of 97.2 % to the closest phylogenetic relative Algibacter aestuarii KYW371T. Cells grew at 15-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum 7.0-8.0) and at NaCl concentrations of 0.5-5.0 % (w/v; optimum 1.5-3.0 %). The major fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The predominant polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-6. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. The genome size of strain XY-114T was 3.4 Mbp, with 34.9 mol% of DNA G+C content. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and amino acid identity values between strain XY-114T and A. aestuarii KYW371T were 74.5 %, 17.0±1.8 % and 73.9 %. Characterization based on phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic evidence demonstrated that strain XY-114T represents a novel species of the genus Algibacter, for which the name Algibacter onchidii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XY-114T (=KCTC 72217T=MCCC 1K03606T).