Description of Fusibacillus kribbianus gen. nov., sp. nov., a fusiform anaerobe isolated from pig feces.

OBJECTIVE: The family Lachnospiraceae is affiliated with the order Clostridiales and was originally contained within Clostridial cluster XIVa. The members of Lachnospiraceae inhabiting the gut comprise the chemoorganotrophic genera, generating sundry short-chain fatty acids to supply energy to the host, and are considered to be related to obesity and gut health. METHODS: The polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize the isolate YH-rum2234T. A detailed metabolic analysis was conducted to compare the novel isolate with related strains within the family Lachnospiraceae. RESULTS: A fusiform, obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative bacterium, YH-rum2234T, was isolated from pig feces. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the similarities between the isolate and the familiarly interrelated strain Lientehia hominis KCTC 25345T was 94.3%. The average nucleotide identities and genome-to-genome distances of YH-rum2234T and its closely related strains were below 85.5% and 32.5%, respectively. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 49.2 mol%. The main fatty acids were C16:0, C14:0, and C14:0 DMA. The major polar lipids were aminophospholipids. The cell wall did not contain the peptidoglycan meso-diaminopimelic acid. CONCLUSION: Given the chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic properties, YH-rum2234T (=KCTC 25710T = DSMZ 116041T) represents a new genus and species in the family Lachnospiraceae. Fusibacillus kribbianus gen. nov., sp. nov. is the proposed name.

Description and comparative genome analysis of Hallella absiana sp. nov., isolated from pig feces.

OBJECTIVE: The genus Hallella was described within Bacteroidaceae, and then reclassified within Prevotellaceae based on its phenotypic and phylogenetic description. It is associated with degradation of carbohydrate. However, some species of Hallella have pathobiotic properties, and are involved in infections and chronic inflammatory disorders. METHODS: Here, we used a polyphasic taxonomic approach to characterize the two strains: YH-C38T and YH-C4B9b. A detailed metabolic analysis was conducted to compare the two novel isolates with related strains within the genus Hallella. RESULT: Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolates were most closely related to Hallella mizrahii JCM 34422T with 98.5% and 98.6% similarities, respectively. Analysis of the multi-locus species tree based on whole genome sequences of the isolates and related strains revealed that the isolates formed a sub-cluster adjacent to H. mizrahii JCM 34422T. The average nucleotide identity values for YH-C38T and YH-C4B9b, and the most closely related strain H. mizrahii JCM 34422T, were 93.5% and 93.8%, respectively. The main fatty acids were iso C17:0 3OH and anteiso C15:0. The predominant menaquinones were MK-12, MK-11, and MK-13. The cell wall contained the peptidoglycan of meso-diaminopimelic acid. Analysis of comparative metabolic analysis revealed that isolates YH-C38T and YH-C4B9b each contained 155 carbohydrate-active enzymes, and glycoside hydrolase was the largest family. CONCLUSION: Two rod-shaped, obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative bacteria, isolated from pig feces, were designated as strains YH-C38T and YH-C4B9b. Based on the chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic properties, YH-C38T (=KCTC 25103T = JCM 35423T) and YH-C4B9b (=KCTC 25104 = JCM 35609) represent a novel taxon. The name Hallella absiana sp. nov. is proposed.

Lacticaseibacillus parakribbianus sp. nov., isolated from a pig farm faeces dump.

A lactic acid bacterium isolated from pig faeces was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain was Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, and facultative anaerobic. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the isolate belonged to the genus Lacticaseibacillus. The multi-locus sequence tree revealed that the strain formed a sub-cluster adjacent to Lacticaseibacillus kribbianus. The main fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9c. The average nucleotide identity value, average amino acid identity, and genome-to-genome distance for YH-lacS6T and its most closely related strain, L. kribbianus, were 85.4, 85.2 and 29.2 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.6 mol%. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipids and phospholipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan did not contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. Thus, YH-lacS6T (=KCTC 21186T=JCM 34954T) represents a novel species. The name Lacticaseibacillus parakribbianus sp. nov. is proposed.

Lacticaseibacillus kribbianus sp. nov., isolated from pig farm faeces dump.

A lactic acid bacteria isolated from pig faeces was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and facultative anaerobic. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the isolate belonged to the genus Lacticaseibacillus; however, the similarity to other homologues within the genus was <98 %. Analysis of housekeeping gene sequences (pheS and recA) revealed that the strain formed a sub-cluster adjacent to Lacticaseibacillus absianus and Lacticaseibacillus daqingensis. The main fatty acids of the strain is the C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.8 mol %. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipids and phospholipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan did not contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. Thus, YH-lac21T (=KCTC 21185=JCM 34953) represents a novel species. The name Lacticaseibacillus kribbianus sp. nov. is proposed.

Streptococcus chosunense sp. nov., Isolated from Human Postoperative Maxillary Cyst.

A novel facultative anaerobic, non-spore forming, non-motile, and Gram-stain-positive coccus, designated strain ChDC B353T, was isolated from human postoperative maxillary cyst. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) sequence of the strain was most closely related to those of Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T (99.4%), Streptococcus mitis NCTC 12261T (99.3%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae NCTC 7465T (99.2%). The major fatty acids of the strain were C16:0 (43.2%) and C18:1 ω6c/C18:1 ω7c (20.2%). The genome of strain ChDC B353T was composed of 1,902,053 bps. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 40.2 mol%. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain ChDC B353T and S. pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T, S. mitis NCTC 12261T, and S. pneumoniae NCTC 7465T were 91.9%, 93.5%, and 91.3%, respectively. Genome-to-genome distance (GGD) values between strain ChDC B353T and S. pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T, S. mitis NCTC 12261T, or S. pneumoniae NCTC 7465T were 46.6% (44.0-49.2%), 53.2% (50.5-55.9%), and 46.0% (43.5-48.7%), respectively. The threshold values of ANI and GGD for species discrimination are 95-96% and 70%, respectively. These results reveal that strain ChDC B353T (= KCOM 1699T = JCM 33453T) is a novel species belonging to genus Streptococcus, for which a name of Streptococcus chosunense sp. nov. is proposed.

Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis sp. nov., Isolated from Human Subgingival Dental Plaque of a Gingivitis Lesion.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, obligately anaerobic, spore-forming rod, designated strain ChDC B114T, was isolated from a human dental plaque of a gingivitis lesion. The strain was characterized by polyphasic taxonomic analysis to identify it at the species level. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) sequence analysis revealed that the strain belongs to the genus Lachnoanaerobaculum. The percent similarity of the 16S rDNA of the strain was closest to the homologous gene sequence of Lachnoanaerobaculum orale N1T (98.5%) and Lachnoanaerobaculum saburreum CCUG 28089T (97.6%). The major fatty acids of strain ChDC B114T were C16:0 (30.7%), C14:0 (17.7%), iso-C19:0 (14.9%), and C17:0 2OH (12.0%). The draft genome of strain ChDC B114T was 3,097,953 bp in length. The G+C content of the strain was 35.9 mol %. Average nucleotide identity values between strain ChDC B114T and L. orale N1T and L. saburreum CCUG 28089T were 83.2% and 82.0%, respectively. Genome-to-genome distance values between strain ChDC B114T and L. orale N1T and L. saburreum CCUG 28089T were 26.8% (24.5-29.3%) and 26.30% (24.0-28.8%), respectively. Based on these results, strain ChDC B114T (= KCOM 2030T = JCM 33452T) should be classified as a novel species of genus Lachnoanaerobaculum, for which the name Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis sp. nov. is proposed.

Prevotella koreensis sp. nov., Isolated from Human Subgingival Dental Plaque of Periodontitis Lesion.

A novel Gram-negative, obligately anaerobic, non-motile, non-spore forming, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JS262T, was isolated from human subgingival plaque of periodontitis lesion and was characterized by polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Comparison of 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) sequence revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Prevotella. The percent similarity of 16S rDNA of strain JS262T was closest to those of Prevotella buccae ATCC 33574T (89.1%) and Prevotella shahii JCM 12083T (88.9%). The major fatty acids of strain JS262T were C16:0 (29.2%), iso-C15:0 (19.2%), and anteiso-C15:0 (16.9%). Complete genome of strain JS262T was 2,691,540 bp in length and the G+C content was 43.9 mol%. Average nucleotide identity and genome-to-genome distance values between strain JS262T and P. buccae ATCC 33574T or P. loescheii DSM 19665T were > 70.4% and > 30.1%, respectively. On the basis of these data, a novel Prevotella species is proposed: Prevotella koreensis sp. nov. The type strain of P. koreensis is JS262T (= KCOM 3155T = JCM 33298T).

Arthrobacter dokdonellae sp. nov., isolated from a plant of the genus Campanula.

A Gram-stain-positive, oxidase- and catalase-positive motile, aerobic, and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as DCT-5T, was isolated from a native plant belonging to the genus Campanula at Dokdo island, Republic of Korea. Growth of the strain DCT-5T was observed at 15-37°C (optimum 30°C) on R2A broth, pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum 7.0), and 0-5% (w/v) NaCl concentration (optimum 0%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DCT-5T was most closely related to Arthrobacter silviterrae KIS14-16T, Arthrobacter livingstonensis LI2T, Arthrobacter stackebrandtii CCM 2783T, Arthrobacter cryoconiti Cr6-08T, Arthrobacter ramosus CCM 1646T, and Arthrobacter psychrochitiniphilus GP3T with pairwise sequence similarities of 98.76%, 97.47%, 97.25%, 97.11%, 97.11%, and 97.00%, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain DCT-5T was 64.7 mol%, and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with A. silviterrae KIS14-16T, A. livingstonensis LI2T, A. stackebrandtii CCM 2783T, A. psychrochitiniphilus GP3T, A. ramosus CCM 1646T, and A. cryoconiti Cr6-08T were 32.57 ± 2.02%, 28.75 ± 0.88%, 31.93 ± 1.15%, 34.73 ± 1.86%, 29.12 ± 1.56%, and 27.23 ± 0.88%, respectively. The major quinone was MK-9(H2) and major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, and iso-C16:0. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI), unidentified glycolipid (GL), two unidentified aminophospholipids (APLs), and three unidentified lipids (Ls). The peptidoglycan type was A3α. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain DCT-5T represents a novel species of the genus Arthrobacter, for which the name Arthrobacter dokdonellae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCT-5T (= KCTC 49189T = LMG 31284T).

Streptococcus periodonticum sp. nov., Isolated from Human Subgingival Dental Plaque of Periodontitis Lesion.

A novel facultative anaerobic and Gram-stain-positive coccus, designated strain ChDC F135T, was isolated from human subgingival dental plaque of periodontitis lesion and was characterized by polyphasic taxonomic analysis. The 16S rRNA gene (16S rDNA) sequence of strain ChDC F135T was closest to that of Streptococcus sinensis HKU4T (98.2%), followed by Streptococcus intermedia SK54T (97.0%), Streptococcus constellatus NCTC11325T (96.0%), and Streptococcus anginosus NCTC 10713T (95.7%). In contrast, phylogenetic analysis based on the superoxide dismutase gene (sodA) and the RNA polymerase beta-subunit gene (rpoB) showed that the nucleotide sequence similarities of strain ChDC F135T were highly similar to the corresponding genes of S. anginosus NCTC 10713T (99.2% and 97.6%, respectively), S. constellatus NCTC11325T (87.8% and 91.4%, respectively), and S. intermedia SK54T (85.8% and 91.2%, respectively) rather than those of S. sinensis HKU4T (80.5% and 82.6%). The complete genome of strain ChDC F135T consisted of 1,901,251 bp and the G+C content was 38.9 mol %. Average nucleotide identity value between strain ChDC F135T and S. sinensis HKU4T or S. anginosus NCTC 10713T were 75.7% and 95.6%, respectively. The C14:0 composition of the cellular fatty acids of strain ChDC F135T (32.8%) was different from that of S. intermedia (6-8%), S. constellatus (6-13%), and S. anginosus (13-20%). Based on the results of phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis, strain ChDC F135T (= KCOM 2412T = JCM 33300T) was classified as a type strain of a novel species of the genus Streptococcus, for which we proposed the name Streptococcus periodonticum sp. nov.

Streptococcus gwangjuense sp. nov., Isolated from Human Pericoronitis.

A novel facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative coccus, designated strain ChDC B345T, was isolated from human pericoronitis lesion and was characterized by polyphasic taxonomic analysis. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) sequence revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Streptococcus. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain ChDC B345T was most closely related to those of  Streptococcus mitis NCTC 12261T (99.5%) and Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T (99.5%). Complete genome of strain ChDC B345T was 1,972,471 bp in length and the G + C content was 40.2 mol%. Average nucleotide identity values between strain ChDC B345T and S. pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T or S. mitis NCTC 12261T were 92.17% and 93.63%, respectively. Genome-to-genome distance values between strain ChDC B345T and S. pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T or S. mitis NCTC 12261T were 47.8% (45.2-50.4%) and 53.0% (51.0-56.4%), respectively. Based on these results, strain ChDC B345T (= KCOM 1679T = JCM 33299T) should be classified as a novel species of genus Streptococcus, for which we propose the name Streptococcus gwangjuense sp. nov.

Description of Paenibacillus dokdonensis sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from soil.

Two strains isolated from soil samples were designated as YH-JAE5T and YH-JAE2. The isolates were facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-variable, motile, rod-shaped bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolates belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, but the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities were <98 % when compared with other species within the genus. Analysis of rpoB gene revealed the isolates formed a sub-cluster with P. chibensis. The only menaquinone identified was MK-7. The two isolates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid within their cell wall peptidoglycan. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipid, aminophospholipids, and lipids. The major fatty acids were C15 : 0 anteiso and C15 : 0 iso. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between isolate YH-JAE5T and the most closely related reference strain (Paenibacillus chibensis KCTC 3758T) were 81.7, 84.8 and 23.4 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 47.4 mol%. Thus, the polyphasic data revealed that YH-JAE2 (=KCTC 43239=JCM 34435) and YH-JAE5T (=KCTC 43059=JCM 33533) represent a new species. The name Paenibacillus dokdonensis sp. nov. is proposed.

Capnocytophaga endodontalis sp. nov., Isolated from a Human Refractory Periapical Abscess.

A novel Gram-negative, capnophilic, fusiform bacterium, designated strain ChDC OS43T, was isolated from a human refractory periapical abscess in the left mandibular second molar and was characterized by polyphasic taxonomic analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain belongs to the genus Capnocytophaga, as it showed sequence similarities to Capnocytophaga ochracea ATCC 27872T (96.30%) and C. sputigena ATCC 33612T (96.16%). The prevalent fatty acids of strain ChDC OS43T were isoC15:0 (57.54%), C16:0 (5.93%), C16:0 3OH (5.72%), and C18:1 cis 9 (4.41%). The complete genome of strain ChDC OS43T was 3,412,686 bp, and the G+C content was 38.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value between strain ChDC OS43T and C. ochracea ATCC 27872T or C. sputigena ATCC 33612T was >92.01%. The genome-to-genome distance (GGD) value between strain ChDC OS43T and C. ochracea ATCC 27872T or C. sputigena ATCC 33612T was 32.0 and 45.7%, respectively. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic analysis, strain ChDC OS43T (= KCOM 1579T = KCTC 5562T = KCCM 42841T = JCM 32133T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species of genus Capnocytophaga, for which the name Capnocytophaga endodontalis sp. nov. is proposed.

Marinobacter salinus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a tidal flat environment.

Two Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, halophilic, rod-shaped bacteria, designated Hb8T and Hb20, were isolated from a tidal flat environment located on the South-West Korean peninsula. The isolates grew at 10-37 °C, at pH 5.0-9.0 and in NaCl concentrations of 0.5-15 % (w/v; optimum, 3.0-6.0 %). Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA indicated that the isolates belong to the genus Marinobacter and are most closely related to Marinobacter sediminumR65T (98.3 %), followed by Marinobacter lipolyticus SM19T, Marinobacter salsuginis SD-14BT and Marinobacter similis A3d10T. The overall 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with these species was 97.9 %, but Hb8T and Hb20 showed 100 % sequence similarity with each other. DNA-DNA relatedness values of H8T and Hb20 suggested that these isolates represent a single species, while DNA-DNA relatedness values of the two novel isolates with M. sediminum DSM 27079T and M. similis DSM 15400T were only 21.3 and 22.9 %, respectively. The major fatty acids present in strain Hb8T were identified as C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c, C18 : 1ω9c, C18 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). Ubiquinone-9 was the main respiratory quinone in both the novel strains. The polar lipids found to be present included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified phospholipids and five unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of Hb8T and Hb20 was 54.5 mol%. Polyphasic analysis indicated that the two isolates are representatives of a novel species of the genus Marinobacte, for which the name Marinobacter salinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Hb8T (=KCTC 52255T=JCM 31416T).

Vibrio injenensis sp. nov., isolated from human clinical specimens.

Vibrio species are well known as motile, mostly oxidase-positive, facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria. They are abundant in aquatic environments and are a common cause of human infections including diarrhea, soft tissue diseases, and bacteremia. Here, two Gram-negative bacteria, designated M12-1144T and M12-1181, were isolated from human clinical specimens and identified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic study based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolates belong to the genus Vibrio, and are closely related to Vibrio metschnikovii KCTC 32284T (98.3%) and Vibrio cincinnatiensis KCTC 2733T (97.8%). The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c, 38.0%), C16:0 (23.0%), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c or C18:1 ω6c, 19.3%) and major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 44.1 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness between the two newly isolated strains and V. metschnikovii KCTC 32284T and V. cincinnatiensis KCTC 2733T was between 42.6 to 47.5%. The similarities of genome-to-genome distance between M12-1144T and related species ranged from 18.4-54.8%. Based on these results, a new species of the genus Vibrio, Vibrio injenensis is proposed. The type strain is M12-1144 T(=KCTC 32233T =JCM 30011T).

Clostridium kogasensis sp. nov., a novel member of the genus Clostridium, isolated from soil under a corroded gas pipeline.

Two bacterial strains, YHK0403(T) and YHK0508, isolated from soil under a corroded gas pipe line, were revealed as Gram-negative, obligately anaerobic, spore-forming and mesophilic bacteria. The cells were rod-shaped and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolates were members of the genus Clostridium and were the most closely related to Clostridium scatologenes KCTC 5588(T) (95.8% sequence similarity), followed by Clostridium magnum KCTC 15177(T) (95.8%), Clostridium drakei KCTC 5440(T) (95.7%) and Clostridium tyrobutyricum KCTC 5387(T) (94.9%). The G + C contents of the isolates were 29.6 mol%. Peptidoglycan in the cell wall was of the A1γ type with meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major polar lipid was diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), and other minor lipids were revealed as phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two unknown glycolipids (GL1 and GL2), an unknown aminoglycolipid (NGL), two unknown aminophospholipids (PN1 and PN2) and four unknown phospholipids (PL1 to PL4). Predominant fatty acids were C16:0 and C16:1cis9 DMA. The major end products from glucose fermentation were identified as butyrate (12.2 mmol) and acetate (9.8 mmol). Collectively, the results from a wide range of phenotypic tests, chemotaxonomic tests, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the two isolates represent novel species of the genus Clostridium, for which the name Clostridium kogasensis sp. nov. (type strain, YHK0403(T) = KCTC 15258(T) = JCM 18719(T)) is proposed.

Gemmatimonas aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., a gram-negative, aerobic, polyphosphate-accumulating micro-organism, the first cultured representative of the new bacterial phylum Gemmatimonadetes phyl. nov.

A phylogenetically novel aerobic bacterium was isolated from an anaerobic-aerobic sequential batch reactor operated under enhanced biological phosphorus removal conditions for wastewater treatment. The isolation strategy used targeted slowly growing polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria by combining low-speed centrifugations and prolonged incubation on a low-nutrient medium. The isolate, designated strain T-27T, was a gram-negative, rod-shaped aerobe. Cells often appeared to divide by budding replication. Strain T-27T grew at 25-35 degrees C with an optimum growth temperature of 30 degrees C, whilst no growth was observed below 20 degrees C or above 37 degrees C within 20 days incubation. The pH range for growth was 6.5-9.5, with an optimum at pH 7.0. Strain T-27T was able to utilize a limited range of substrates, such as yeast extract, polypepton, succinate, acetate, gelatin and benzoate. Neisser staining was positive and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-stained cells displayed a yellow fluorescence, indicative of polyphosphate inclusions. Menaquinone 9 was the major respiratory quinone. The cellular fatty acids of the strain were mainly composed of iso-C15:0, C16:1 and C14:0. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 66 mol%. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain T-27T belongs to candidate division BD (also called KS-B), a phylum-level lineage in the bacterial domain, to date comprised exclusively of environmental 16S rDNA clone sequences. Here, a new genus and species are proposed, Gemmatimonas aurantiaca (type strain T-27T=JCM 11422T=DSM 14586T) gen. nov., sp. nov., the first cultivated representative of the Gemmatimonadetes phyl. nov. Environmental sequence data indicate that this phylum is widespread in nature and has a phylogenetic breadth (19% 16S rDNA sequence divergence) that is greater than well-known phyla such as the Actinobacteria (18% divergence).

Erythrobacter flavus sp. nov., a slight halophile from the East Sea in Korea.

Two gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, yellow-pigmented and slightly halophilic strains (SW-46T and SW-52) were isolated from sea water of the East Sea, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strains SW-46T and SW-52 were characterized chemotaxonomically by having ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C18:1 omega7c as the major fatty acid. Their DNA G + C content was 64.0-64.1 mol%. Strains SW-46T and SW-52 showed 1 bp difference in their 16S rDNA sequences and a mean DNA-DNA relatedness level of 94.4%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strains SW-46T and SW-52 fall within the alpha-subclass of the Proteobacteria and form a coherent cluster with Erythrobacter longus, Erythrobacter litoralis and Erythrobacter citreus. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strains SW-46T and SW-52 and the type strains of these three Erythrobacter species were 96.5-97.9%. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains SW-46T and SW-52 and the type strains of E. longus, E. litoralis and E. citreus were 3.6-14.7%. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, strains SW-46T and SW-52 should be placed in the genus Erythrobacter as a novel species, for which the name Erythrobacter flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW-46T (= KCCM 41642T = JCM 11808T).