Clostridium tanneri sp. nov., isolated from the faecal material of an alpaca.

A strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative rod-shaped bacterium, designated A1-XYC3T, was isolated from the faeces of an alpaca (Lama pacos). On the basis of the results of a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate was assigned to the genus Clostridium with the highest sequence similarities to Clostridium magnum DSM 2767T (96.8 %), Clostridium carboxidivorans P7T (96.3 %) and Clostridium aciditolerans JW/YJL-B3T (96.1 %). The average nucleotide identity between A1-XYC3T, C. magnum, C. carboxidivorans and C. aciditolerans was 77.4, 76.1 and 76.6  %, respectively. The predominant components of the cellular fatty acids of A1-XYC3T were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 10, containing C18:0/C17:0 cyclo. The DNA G+C content was 32.4 mol%. On the basis of biochemical, phylogenetic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic criteria, this isolate represents a novel species within Clostridium sensu stricto for which the name Clostridium tanneri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this species is strain A1-XYC3T (=CCM 9376T=NRRL B-65691T).

Bacteroides vicugnae sp. nov. isolated from the fecal material of an alpaca.

Two strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative rod-shaped bacterial isolates, A2-P53T and A1-P5, were isolated from an enrichment of fecal material from two alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Based on a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates were assigned to the genus Bacteroides with the highest sequence similarities to Bacteroides koreensis YS-aM39T (A2- P53T 97.7 % and A1-P5 97.9 %). Additionally, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between these isolates and their closest relatives within Bacteroides were less than 92.1 % and 49.1 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity between isolates A2-P53T and A1-P5 was 99.9 %. The predominant cellular fatty acid for isolates A2-P53T and A1-P5 was C15:0 antesio. The G+C % content of the isolates was 41.7 %. Based on biochemical, phylogenetic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic criteria, these isolates A2-P53T and A1-P5 represent two individual strains of a novel species within the genus Bacteroides for which the name Bacteroides vicugnae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this species is strain A2-P53T (CCUG 77273T = CCM 9377T = NRRL B-65693T).

Methylocystis suflitae sp. nov., a novel type II methanotrophic bacterium isolated from landfill cover soil.

A bacterial strain, designated NLS-7T, was isolated through enrichment of landfill cover soil in methane-oxidizing conditions. Strain NLS-7T is a Gram-stain negative, non-motile rod, approximately 0.8 µm wide by 1.3 µm long. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing places it within the genus Methylocystis, with its closest relatives being M. hirsuta, M. silviterrae and M. rosea, with 99.9, 99.7 and 99.6 % sequence similarity respectively. However, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values below the 95 % threshold compared to all the close relatives and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between 20.9 and 54.1 % demonstrate that strain NLS-7T represents a novel species. Genome sequencing generated 4.31 million reads and genome assembly resulted in the generation of 244 contigs with a total assembly length of 3 820 957 bp (N50, 37 735 bp; L50, 34). Genome completeness is 99.5 % with 3.98 % contamination. It is capable of growth on methane and methanol. It grows optimally at 30 °C between pH 6.5 and 7.0. Strain NLS-7T is capable of atmospheric dinitrogen fixation and can use ammonium (as NH4Cl), l-aspartate, l-arginine, yeast extract, nitrate, l-leucine, l-proline, l-methionine, l-lysine and l-alanine as nitrogen sources. The major fatty acids are C18:1 ω8c and C18:1 ω7c. Based upon this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain NLS-7T represents a novel species of the genus Methylocystis, for which the name Methylocystis suflitae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NLS-7T (=ATCC TSD-256T=DSM 112294T). The 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences of strain NLS-7T have been deposited in GenBank under accession numbers ON715489 and GCA_024448135.1, respectively.

Pantoea leporis sp. nov., isolated from the faecal material of a rabbit.

A facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative rod-shaped bacterium, designated RT, was isolated from the faecal material of a rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus). The strain could not be identified using an MALDI Biotyper sirius CA System. The closest matches based on the Bruker library were members of the genera Citrobacter and Pantoea. However, the score value was in the range of no organism identification possible. Based on pairwise of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate was found to be a member of the family Erwiniaceae. The highest sequence similarities were found to the sequences of Pantoea rodasii LMG 26273T (98.7 %), Leclercia adecarboxylata NBRC 102595T (98.5 %) and Enterobacter huaxiensis 090008T (98.4 %). Phylogenetic and whole genome analysis demonstrated that strain RT represents a novel species within the genus Pantoea. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain RT were C16 : 0 and products present in summed feature 2 (C12 : 0) aldehyde, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c and/or C16 : 1 ω7c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). In silico genome analysis showed the presence of enzymes required for production of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylserine. The G+C content determined from the genome was 54.94 mol %. Based on biochemical, phylogenetic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic criteria, the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Pantoea for which the name Pantoea leporis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain RT (=CCUG 76269T=ATCC TSD-291T).

Holtiella tumoricola gen. nov. sp. nov., isolated from a human clinical sample.

The diversity of bacteria associated with biopsy material obtained from patients with colorectal cancer was investigated using culture techniques. A novel bacterium, strain CC70AT, was isolated by diluting a sample of homogenized tissue in anaerobic medium, and then plating to yield a pure culture. Strain CC70AT was a Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium. Formate, but not acetate, was a fermentative end-product from growth in peptone-yeast extract and peptone-yeast-glucose broth. The G+C content of DNA from strain CC70AT was 34.9 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate was part of the phylum Bacillota. The closest described relatives of strain CC70AT were Cellulosilyticum lentocellum (93.3 %) and Cellulosilyticum ruminicola (93.3 and 91.9% sequence similarity across 16S rRNA gene, respectively). According to the data obtained in this work, strain CC70AT represents a novel bacterium belonging to a new genus for which the name Holtiella tumoricola gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain for our described novel species is CC70AT (=DSM 27931T= JCM 30568T).

Reclassification of Clostridium cocleatum, Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium spiroforme and Clostridium saccharogumia as Thomasclavelia cocleata gen. nov., comb. nov., Thomasclavelia ramosa comb. nov., gen. nov., Thomasclavelia spiroformis comb. nov. and Thomasclavelia saccharogumia comb. nov.

The genus Clostridium is phenotypically and genotypically diverse, with many species phylogenetically located outside Clostridium sensu stricto. One such group consists of the species Clostridium cocleatum, Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium spiroforme and Clostridium saccharogumia (formally clostridial rRNA cluster XVIII) [1]. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA and, more recently, the results of genomic analyses have demonstrated that these species represent a coherent cluster separated from other closely related genera located in the family Coprobacillaceae within the order Erysipelotrichales [2]. In addition to phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic comparisons, chemotaxonomic features were consistent between all four species, the predominant fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9c, while glucose and ribose were the whole cell sugars present in the cell walls. Furthermore, he results of peptidoglycan analysis indicated that meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid was present as the diagnostic diamino acid in all four species. Biochemical profiles were also concordant with them being closely related species. Therefore, on the basis of phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic information, a novel genus, Thomasclavelia gen. nov., is proposed. It is suggested that Clostridium cocleatum, Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium spiroforme and Clostridium saccharogumia be transferred to this genus as Thomasclavelia cocleata comb. nov., Thomasclavelia ramosa comb. nov., Thomasclavelia saccharogumia comb. nov. and Thomasclavelia spiroformis comb. nov. The type species of the genus is Thomasclavelia ramosa CCUG 24038T (=ATCC 25582T=DSM 1402T).

Clostridium muellerianum sp. nov., a carbon monoxide-oxidizing acetogen isolated from old hay.

An acid/alcohol-producing, Gram-stain-positive, obligately anaerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming acetogen, designated as strain P21T, was isolated from old hay after enrichment with CO as the substrate. Spores not observed even after prolonged incubation (30 days). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain P21T showed it was closely related to Clostridium carboxidivorans DSM 15243T (97.9%), Clostridium scatologenes DSM 757T (97.7 %) and Clostridium drakei DSM 12750T (97.7 %). The genome is 5.6 Mb and the G+C content is 29.4 mol%. Average nucleotide identity between strain P21T, C. carboxidivorans, C. scatologenes and C. drakei was 87.1, 86.4, 86.4 %, respectively. Strain P21T grew on CO:CO2, H2:CO2, l-arabinose, ribose, xylose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, mannose, cellobiose, sucrose, cellulose, starch, pyruvate, choline, glutamate, histidine, serine, threonine and casamino acids. End products of metabolism were acetate, butyrate, caproate, ethanol and hexanol. Dominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0 (41.5 %), C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c (10.0 %), and a summed feature containing cyclo C17 : 1/C18 : 0 (17.3 %). Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses, strain P21T represents a new species in the genus Clostridium, for which the name Clostridium muellerianum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P21T (=DSM 111390T=NCIMB 15261T).

Clostridium chrysemydis sp. nov., isolated from the faecal material of a painted turtle.

A strict anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive rod-shaped bacterium, designated PTT, was isolated from the faecal material of a painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). Based on a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate was assigned to Clostridium sensu stricto with the highest sequence similarities to Clostridium moniliforme (97.4 %), Clostridium sardiniense (97.2 %) and the misclassified organism Eubacterium multiforme (97.1 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain PTT were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and an unidentified product with an equivalent chain length of 14.969. The G+C content determined from the genome was 28.8 mol%. The fermentation end products from glucose were acetate and butyrate with no alcohols detected and trace amounts of CO2 and H2 also detected; no respiratory quinones were detected. Based on biochemical, phylogenetic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic criteria, the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Clostridium for which the name Clostridium chrysemydis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain PTT (=CCUG 74180T=ATCC TSD-219T).

Thermosynergistes pyruvativorans gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic, pyruvate-degrading bacterium from Shengli oilfield, and proposal of Thermosynergistaceae fam. nov. in the phylum Synergistetes.

A strictly anaerobic, thermophilic, Gram-stain-negative bacterium, named as strain S15T, was isolated from oily sludge of Shengli oilfield in PR China. Cells of strain S15T were straight or slightly curved rods with 0.4-0.8 µm width × 1.4-3 µm length and occurred mostly in pairs or short chains. Endospore-formation was not observed. The strain grew optimally at 55 °C (range from 30-65 °C), pH 6.5 (pH 6.0-8.5) and 0-30 g l-1 NaCl (optimum with 10 g l-1 NaCl). Yeast extract was an essential growth factor for strain S15T. The major cellular fatty acid was iso-C15 : 0 (58.2 %), and the main polar lipids were amino phospholipid (APL), glycolipids (GLs) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The G+C content of DNA of strain S15T was 52.2 mol%. Strain S15T shared 89.8 % 16S rRNA gene similarity with the most related organism Acetomicrobium hydrogeniformans DSM 22491T in the phylum Synergistetes. The paired genomic average amino acid identity (AAI) and percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) values showed relatedness of less than 58.0 and 39.7 % with type strains of the species in the phylum Synergistetes. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and phylogenomic evidences, strain S15T constitutes a novel species in a novel genus, for the name Thermosynergistes pyruvativorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S15T (=CCAM 583T=JCM 33159T). Thermosynergistaceae fam. nov. is also proposed.

Reclassification of Facklamia ignava, Facklamia sourekii and Facklamia tabacinasalis as Falseniella ignava gen. nov., comb. nov., Hutsoniella sourekii gen. nov., comb. nov., and Ruoffia tabacinasalis gen. nov., comb. nov., and description of Ruoffia halotolerans sp. nov., isolated from hypersaline Inland Sea of Qatar.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-pigmented, coccus-shaped, facultatively anaerobic and α-hemolytic bacterium designated as INB8T was isolated from a hypersaline marine water sample collected at the Inland Sea of Qatar. The isolate was able to grow at 25-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5-11 and with 2-8% NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain INB8T was placed within the family Aerococcaceae with the highest sequence similarity to Facklamia tabacinasalis CCUG 30090T (99.5%), followed by Facklamia hominis CCUG 36813T (93.9%), Facklamia sourekii Y17312T (93.8%), Facklamia ignava CCUG 37419T (93.6%), Facklamia miroungae CCUG 42728T (93.5%), Suicoccus acidiformans ZY16052T (93.5%), Facklamia languida CCUG 37842T (93.2%), Ignavigranum ruoffiae (93.1%), and Dolosicoccus paucivorans DSM 15742T (90.8%). Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain INB8T and F. tabacinasalis CCUG 30090T were determined to be 94.5% and 58.9% respectively, confirming strain INB8T represents a novel species. The major fatty acids were C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 ω9c. The G + C content of strain INB8T determined from the genome was 36.3 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic information, it is proposed that Facklamia tabacinasalis should be reclassified as Ruoffia tabacinasalis, Facklamia ignava be reclassified as Falseniella ignava, and Facklamia sourekii be reclassified Hutsoniella sourekii. It is further proposed that strain INB8T should be classified as a species of the genus Ruoffia for which the name Ruoffia halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is INB8T (= LMG 30291T = CCUG 70701T = QCC/B60/17T).

18F-FDG PET-CT postoperative changes after maxillectomy: Findings and pitfalls in interpretation.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the findings and pitfalls of FDG-PET/CT scanning after maxillectomy with reconstruction/rehabilitation procedures, in patients with head and neck malignancies treated during nine years at one tertiary medical centre. METHODS: Fourteen patients (10 males), aged 22-84 years, underwent 17 reconstruction/rehabilitation maxillectomy surgeries and 35 PET/CT scans. Postoperative PET/CT findings were correlated with clinical and imaging follow-up. RESULTS: Increased FDG uptake, mean SUVmax 2.4 ± 1.4 (range 0.3-4.3), was observed at the postoperative bed following 12 of 17 surgeries (71%; 10 obturators, two mesh reconstructions). Following the remaining 5/17 surgeries (three with a fat flap and two without any reconstructions), abnormal FDG uptake was not observed at the postoperative bed.CT features of postoperative sites included: non-homogeneous mixed iso/hyperdense structures (hollow or filled) with multiple surrounding and/or inside air bubbles ("sponge appearance") and mucosal thickening along the postoperative bed wall (in all cases with obturator implants); rich fat density material in reconstructions with a fat flap and in closures without reconstruction, and radiopaque elongated structures in mesh reconstructions.No correlation was found of the mean SUVmax in initial scans, with the time from the surgery date (10 ± 6 months; r=0.04, P=0.90), or with the mean SUVmax in final scans (at 25± 17 months, P=0.17). CONCLUSIONS:: Increased FDG uptake, together with corresponding non-specific CT features, may persist for a prolonged period after surgery with obturators and mesh implantations, mimicking malignancy or infection. Awareness of variations in postoperative PET-CT appearance can help avoid false interpretations and redundant invasive procedures.

Pseudoxanthomonas winnipegensis sp. nov., derived from human clinical materials and recovered from cystic fibrosis and other patient types in Canada, and emendation of Pseudoxanthomonas spadix Young et al. 2007.

Twelve isolates recovered from 10 cystic fibrosis/other patient types and a variety of clinical sources, were referred to Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory over 7 years. These were assignable to the genus Pseudoxanthomonas but were unidentifiable to species level. Patients included five males and five females from two geographically separated provinces, ranging in age from 2 months to 84 years. In contrast, most Pseudoxanthomonas species described to date have been derived from water, plants or contaminated soils. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the patient strains had ≥99.4 % similarity to each other but only 97.73-98.29 % to their closest relatives, Pseudoxanthomonas spadix or Pseudoxanthomonas helianthi. Bacteria were studied by whole genome sequencing using average nucleotide identity by Blastn, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average amino acid identity, core genome and single nucleotide variant analyses, MALDI-TOF, biochemical and cellular fatty acid analyses, and by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Bacterial structures were assessed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Strains were strict aerobes, yellowish-pigmented, oxidative, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative bacilli and generally unable to reduce nitrate. Strains were susceptible to most of the antibiotics tested; some resistance was observed towards carbapenems, several cephems and uniformly to nitrofurantoin. The single taxon group observed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing was supported by whole genome sequencing; genomes ranged in size from 4.36 to 4.73 Mb and had an average G+C content of 69.12 mol%. Based on this study we propose the name Pseudoxanthomonas winnipegensis sp. nov. for this cluster. Pseudoxanthomonas spadix DSM 18855T, acquired for this study, was found to be non-motile phenotypically and by electron microscopy; we therefore propose the emendation of Pseudoxanthomonas spadix Young et al. 2007 to document that observation.

Enemella gen. nov., Enemella evansiae sp. nov., Enemella dayhoffiae sp. nov. and Parenemella sanctibonifatiensis gen. nov., sp. nov., novel taxa assignable to the family Propionibacteriaceae and derived from human clinical samples.

Nine Gram-stain-positive cocci, coccobacilli or short, rod-shaped strains recovered from clinical sources from patients located in two Canadian provinces and one environmental source were extensively studied. Clinical sources included blood cultures, cerebral spinal fluid, lymph node, lung biopsy and peritoneal fluid. Through 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequencing analyses, the strains were found to cluster into three groups, closest to but distinguished from other genera in the family Propionibacteriaceae. The genomes from these bacteria had high G+C content, ranging from 67.8-69.56 mol%, and genome sizes of 3.02-4.52 Mb. Biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties including branched-chain cellular fatty acids, l-lysine diaminopimelic acid (ll-DAP) and cell-wall type A3γ (ll-DAP-gly) containing ll-DAP, alanine, glycine and glutamic acid were found and so the strains were therefore deemed to be consistent with other new genera in this family. Based on this investigation, we propose Enemella gen. nov., Enemella evansiae sp. nov., Enemella dayhoffiae sp. nov. and Parenemella sanctibonifatiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. for these taxa. Misidentified taxon 'Ponticoccus gilvus' was found to be assignable to Enemella evansiae based on this study.

Ningiella ruwaisensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Alteromonadaceae isolated from marine water of the Arabian Gulf.

Strain B66T was isolated from a marine water sample collected at Al Ruwais, located on the northern tip of Qatar. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and short- rod-shaped with a polar flagellum. The isolate was able to grow at 15-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5-11 (optimum, pH 6.5-8) and with 0-6 % NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain B66T was affiliated with the family Alteromonadaceae, sharing the highest sequence similarities to the genera Alteromonas (93.7-95.4 %), Aestuariibacter (94.0-95.1 %), Agaribacter (93.3-93.7 %), Glaciecola (92.0-93.7 %), Marisendiminitalea (93.2-93.3 %) and Planctobacterium (92.9 %). In the phylogenetic trees, strain B66T demonstrated the novel organism formed a distinct lineage closely associated with Aestuariibacter and Planctobacterium. Major fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 and the major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content derived from the genome was 43.2 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic data, strain B66T is considered to represent a novel species and genus for which the name Ningiella ruwaisensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is B66T (=QCC B003/17T=LMG 30288 T=CCUG 70703T).

Parapseudoflavitalea muciniphila gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Chitinophagaceae isolated from a human peritoneal tumour and reclassification of Pseudobacter ginsenosidimutans as Pseudoflavitalea ginsenosidimutans comb. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, microaerophilic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium strain designated PMP191FT, was isolated from a human peritoneal tumour. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the organism formed a lineage within the family Chitinophagaceae that was distinct from members of the genus Pseudoflavitalea (95.1-95.2 % sequence similarity) and Pseudobacter ginsenosidimutans (94.4 % sequence similarity). The average nucleotide identity values between strain PMP191FT and Pseudoflavitalea rhizosphaerae T16R-265T and Pseudobacter ginsenosidimutans Gsoil 221T was 68.9 and 62.3% respectively. The only respiratory quinone of strain PMP191FT was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and some unidentified amino and glycolipids. The G+C content of strain PMP191FT calculated from the genome sequence was 43.4 mol%. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic evidence, strain PMP191FT represents a novel species and genus for which the name Parapseudoflavitalea muciniphila gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PMP191FT (=DSM 104999T=ATCC BAA-2857T = CCUG 72691T). The phylogenetic analyses also revealed that Pseudobacter ginsenosidimutans shared over 98 % sequence similarly to members of the genus Pseudoflavitalea. However, the average nucleotide identity value between Pseudoflavitalea rhizosphaerae T16R-265T, the type species of the genus and Pseudobacter ginsenosidimutans Gsoil 221T was 86.8 %. Therefore, we also propose that Pseudobacter ginsenosidimutans be reclassified as Pseudoflavitalea ginsenosidimutans comb. nov.

Zhaonella formicivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic formate-utilizing bacterium isolated from Shengli oilfield, and proposal of four novel families and Moorellales ord. nov. in the phylum Firmicutes.

A novel obligately anaerobic, thermophilic and formate-utilizing bacterium K32T was isolated from Shengli oilfield of China. Cells were straight rods (0.4-0.8 µm × 2.5-8.0 µm), Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming and slightly motile. Optimum growth occurred with pH of 7 and 0.5 g l-1 NaCl under temperature of 55-60 °C. Nitrate could be reduced into nitrite, syntrophic formate oxidation to methane and carbon dioxide occurred when co-culturing strain K32T and Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH. The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (24.0 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (21.7 %), C16 : 0 (12.7 %) and C14 : 0 (10.8 %), and the main polar lipid was phosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 46.3 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of K32T shared ≤90.4 % of sequence similarity to closest type strains of Desulfitibacter alkalitolerans, Calderihabitans maritimus and members of the genus Moorella. Based on the phenotypic, biochemical and genotypic characterization, Zhaonella formicivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with K32T (=CCAM 584T =DSM 107278T=CGMCC1.5297T) as the type strain, which is the first representative of Zhaonellaceae fam. nov. In addition, the order Thermoanaerobacterales and family Peptococcaceae were reclassified, and three novel families in the novel order of Moorellales ord. nov. were also proposed.

Gudongella oleilytica gen. nov., sp. nov., an aerotorelant bacterium isolated from Shengli oilfield and validation of family Tissierellaceae.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, rod shaped and anaerobic bacterium, designated as W6T, was isolated from Shengli oilfield in China. Strain W6T was observed to grow from 20 to 45 °C with pH 6.5-9.0 (optimally at 40 °C and pH of 7.5) and without addition of NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (29.1%), C14 : 0 (27.0%) and C16 : 0 (12.2%), and the main polar lipids were lipids (L) and aminolipids (AL). The DNA G+C content is 42.9 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain W6T showed highest similarities to Tissierella creatinini DSM 9508T (94.9%) and Soehngenia saccharolytica DSM 12858T (94.1%). The morphological, physiological, biochemical, phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses demonstrated strain W6T (CCAM 534T=DSM 28124T=CGMCC 1.5291T) represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Gudongella oleilytica gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed. The family Tissierellaceae is proposed as a new family containing the genera Anaerosalibacter, Gudongella, Keratinibaculum, Soehngenia, Sporanaerobacter, Tepidimicrobium, Tissierella, Urmitella and species Clostridium ultunense based on the phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses.

Thermoanaerosceptrum fracticalcis gen. nov. sp. nov., a Novel Fumarate-Fermenting Microorganism From a Deep Fractured Carbonate Aquifer of the US Great Basin.

Deep fractured rock ecosystems across most of North America have not been studied extensively. However, the US Great Basin, in particular the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS, formerly the Nevada Test Site), has hosted a number of influential subsurface investigations over the years. This investigation focuses on resident microbiota recovered from a hydrogeologically confined aquifer in fractured Paleozoic carbonate rocks at 863 - 923 meters below land surface. Analysis of the microorganisms living in this oligotrophic environment provides a perspective into microbial metabolic strategies required to endure prolonged hydrogeological isolation deep underground. Here we present a microbiological and physicochemical characterization of a deep continental carbonate ecosystem and describe a bacterial genus isolated from the ecosystem. Strain DRI-13T is a strictly anaerobic, moderately thermophilic, fumarate-respiring member of the phylum Firmicutes. This bacterium grows optimally at 55°C and pH 8.0, can tolerate a concentration of 100 mM NaCl, and appears to obligately metabolize fumarate to acetate and succinate. Culture-independent 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicates a global subsurface distribution, while the closest cultured relatives of DRI-13T are Pelotomaculum thermopropionicum (90.0% similarity) and Desulfotomaculum gibsoniae (88.0% similarity). The predominant fatty acid profile is iso-C15 : 0, C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0. The percentage of the straight-chain fatty acid C15 : 0 is a defining characteristic not present in the other closely related species. The genome is estimated to be 3,649,665 bp, composed of 87.3% coding regions with an overall average of 45.1% G + C content. Strain DRI-13T represents a novel genus of subsurface bacterium isolated from a previously uncharacterized rock-hosted geothermal habitat. The characterization of the bacterium combined with the sequenced genome provides insights into metabolism strategies of the deep subsurface biosphere. Based on our characterization analysis we propose the name Thermoanaerosceptrum fracticalcis (DRI-13T = DSM 100382T = ATCC TSD-12T).

Description of Biomaibacter acetigenes gen. nov., sp. nov., and proposal of Thermosediminibacterales ord. nov. containing two novel families of Tepidanaerobacteraceae fam. nov. and Thermosediminibacteraceae fam. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, chemoorganotrophic and anaerobic bacterium, strain SK-G1T, was isolated from oily sludge sampled at the Shengli oilfield in PR China. Growth occurred with 0-30 g l-1 NaCl, at 40-65 °C and at pH 6.0-8.5. The predominant fatty acids were C14 : 0 and C13 : 0, and the major cellular polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. No respiratory quinone was detected. The genomic G+C content was 43.9 mol%. The strain had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (93.2 % identity) to Tepidanaerobacter syntrophicus DSM 15584T. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data showed that strain SK-G1T (=CCAM 530T=KCTC 15783T=JCM 33158T) represents a novel species of a new genus Biomaibacteracetigenes gen. nov., sp. nov. The results of phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses indicated that the genera Biomaibacter, Caldanaerovirga, Fervidicola, Tepidanaerobacter, Thermosediminibacter, Thermovenabulum and Thermovoraxformed a clade with high bootstrap support distinguishing to other taxon within the order Thermoanaerobacterales. This clade is proposed as Thermosediminibacterales ord. nov. and includes Tepidanaerobacteraceae fam. nov. and Thermosediminibacteraceae fam. nov. Emended descriptions of the order Thermoanaerobacterales and family Syntrophomonadaceae are also provided.

Citroniella saccharovorans gen. nov. sp. nov., a member of the family Peptoniphilaceae isolated from a human fecal sample from a coastal traditional community member.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming coccus-shaped obligately anaerobic bacterium was recovered from a fecal sample obtained from an individual from a traditional community located on the southern coast of Peru. The results of analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated the novel bacterium to be phylogenetically distinct from other genera of members of the Peptoniphilaceae family, sharing a loose affinity with the genera Ezakiella, Finegoldia, Gallicola and Parvimonas. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel isolate were determined to be C16:0, C17:1ω8c, and C18:1ω9c. The DNA G+C content was 29.9 mol%. End products of metabolism from peptone yeast glucose broth (PYG) were determined to be acetate and methyl succinate. The diagnostic diamino acid present in the cell wall was lysine. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic results the organism is a member of a novel genus belonging to the family Peptoniphilaceae for which the name Citroniella saccharovorans gen nov. sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is M6.X9T (DSM 29873T=CCUG 66799T).