Paracoccus benzoatiresistens sp. nov., a benzoate resistance and selenite reduction bacterium isolated from wetland.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, pale orange, rod-shaped strain EF6T, was isolated from a natural wetland reserve in Hebei province, China. The strain grew at 25-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5-9 (optimum, pH 7), and in the presence of 1.0-4.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain EF6T belongs to the genus Paracoccus, and the closest members were Paracoccus shandongensis wg2T with 98.1% similarity, Paracoccus fontiphilus MVW-1 T (97.9%), Paracoccus everestensis S8-55 T (97.7%), Paracoccus subflavus GY0581T (97.6%), Paracoccus sediminis CMB17T (97.3%), Paracoccus caeni MJ17T (97.0%), and Paracoccus angustae E6T (97.0%). The genome size of strain EF6T was 4.88 Mb, and the DNA G + C content was 65.3%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, and average amino acid identity values between strain EF6T and the reference strains were all below the threshold limit for species delineation (< 32.8%, < 88.0%, and < 86.7%, respectively). The major fatty acids (≥ 5.0%) were summed feature 8 (86.3%, C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c) and C18:1 (5.0%) and the only isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids, five unidentified phospholipids, and an unidentified aminolipid. Strain EF6T displays notable resistance to benzoate and selenite, with higher tolerance levels (25 g/L for benzoate and 150 mM for selenite) compared to the closely related species. Genomic analysis identified six benzoate resistance genes (acdA, pcaF, fadA, pcaC, purB, and catA) and twenty selenite resistance and reduction-related genes (iscR, ssuB, ssuD, selA, selD and so on). Additionally, EF6T possesses unique genes (catA, ssuB, and ssuC) absent in the closely related species for benzoate and selenite resistance. Its robust resistance to benzoate and selenite, coupled with its genomic makeup, make EF6T a promising candidate for the remediation of both organic and inorganic pollutants. It is worth noting that the specific resistance phenotypes described above were not reported in other novel species in Paracoccus. Based on the results of biochemical, physiological, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic analyses, combined with comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and the whole genome sequence, strain EF6T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus within the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Paracoccus benzoatiresistens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EF6T (= GDMCC 1.3400 T = JCM 35642 T = MCCC 1K08702T).

Insight into the metabolic pathways of Paracoccus sp. strain DMF: a non-marine halotolerant methylotroph capable of degrading aliphatic amines/amides.

Paracoccus sp. strain DMF (P. DMF from henceforth) is a gram-negative heterotroph known to tolerate and utilize high concentrations of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The work presented here elaborates on the metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of C1 compounds, many of which are well-known pollutants and toxic to the environment. Investigations on microbial growth and detection of metabolic intermediates corroborate the outcome of the functional genome analysis. Several classes of C1 compounds, such as methanol, methylated amines, aliphatic amides, and naturally occurring quaternary amines like glycine betaine, were tested as growth substrates. The detailed growth and kinetic parameter analyses reveal that P. DMF can efficiently aerobically degrade trimethylamine (TMA) and grow on quaternary amines such as glycine betaine. The results show that the mechanism for halotolerant adaptation in the presence of glycine betaine is dissimilar from those observed for conventional trehalose-mediated halotolerance in heterotrophic bacteria. In addition, a close genomic survey revealed the presence of a Co(I)-based substrate-specific corrinoid methyltransferase operon, referred to as mtgBC. This demethylation system has been associated with glycine betaine catabolism in anaerobic methanogens and is unknown in denitrifying aerobic heterotrophs. This report on an anoxic-specific demethylation system in an aerobic heterotroph is unique. Our finding exposes the metabolic potential for the degradation of a variety of C1 compounds by P. DMF, making it a novel organism of choice for remediating a wide range of possible environmental contaminants.

Thermal Endurance by a Hot-Spring-Dwelling Phylogenetic Relative of the Mesophilic Paracoccus.

High temperature growth/survival was revealed in a phylogenetic relative (SMMA_5) of the mesophilic Paracoccus isolated from the 78 to 85°C water of a Trans-Himalayan sulfur-borax spring. After 12 h at 50°C, or 45 min at 70°C, in mineral salts thiosulfate (MST) medium, SMMA_5 retained ~2% colony forming units (CFUs), whereas comparator Paracoccus had 1.5% and 0% CFU left at 50°C and 70°C, respectively. After 12 h at 50°C, the thermally conditioned sibling SMMA_5_TC exhibited an ~1.5 time increase in CFU count; after 45 min at 70°C, SMMA_5_TC had 7% of the initial CFU count. 1,000-times diluted Reasoner's 2A medium, and MST supplemented with lithium, boron, or glycine-betaine, supported higher CFU-retention/CFU-growth than MST. Furthermore, with or without lithium/boron/glycine-betaine, a higher percentage of cells always remained metabolically active, compared with what percentage formed single colonies. SMMA_5, compared with other Paracoccus, contained 335 unique genes: of these, 186 encoded hypothetical proteins, and 83 belonged to orthology groups, which again corresponded mostly to DNA replication/recombination/repair, transcription, secondary metabolism, and inorganic ion transport/metabolism. The SMMA_5 genome was relatively enriched in cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. SMMA_5 and SMMA_5_TC mutually possessed 43 nucleotide polymorphisms, of which 18 were in protein-coding genes with 13 nonsynonymous and seven radical amino acid replacements. Such biochemical and biophysical mechanisms could be involved in thermal stress mitigation which streamline the cells' energy and resources toward system-maintenance and macromolecule-stabilization, thereby relinquishing cell-division for cell-viability. Thermal conditioning apparently helped inherit those potential metabolic states which are crucial for cell-system maintenance, while environmental solutes augmented the indigenous stability-conferring mechanisms. IMPORTANCE For a holistic understanding of microbial life's high-temperature adaptation, it is imperative to explore the biology of the phylogenetic relatives of mesophilic bacteria which get stochastically introduced to geographically and geologically diverse hot spring systems by local geodynamic forces. Here, in vitro endurance of high heat up to the extent of growth under special (habitat-inspired) conditions was discovered in a hot-spring-dwelling phylogenetic relative of the mesophilic Paracoccus species. Thermal conditioning, extreme oligotrophy, metabolic deceleration, presence of certain habitat-specific inorganic/organic solutes, and potential genomic specializations were found to be the major enablers of this conditional (acquired) thermophilicity. Feasibility of such phenomena across the taxonomic spectrum can well be paradigm changing for the established scopes of microbial adaptation to the physicochemical extremes. Applications of conditional thermophilicity in microbial process biotechnology may be far reaching and multifaceted.

Harnessing taxonomically diverse and metabolically versatile genus Paracoccus for bioplastic synthesis and xenobiotic biodegradation.

The genus Paracoccus represents a taxonomically diverse group comprising more than 80 novel species isolated from various pristine and polluted environments. The species are characterized as coccoid-shaped Gram-negative bacteria with versatile metabolic attributes and classified as autotrophs, heterotrophs and/or methylotrophs. The present study highlights the up-to-date global taxonomic diversity and critically discusses the significance of genome analysis for identifying the genomic determinants related to functional attributes mainly bioplastic synthesis and biodegradation potential that makes these isolates commercially viable. The analysis accentuates polyphasic and genomic attributes of Paracoccus spp. which could be harnessed for commercial applications and emphasizes the need of integrating genome-based computational analysis for evolutionary species and functional diversification. The work reflects on the underexplored genetic potential for bioplastic synthesis which can be harnessed using advanced genomic methods. It also underlines the degradation potential and possible use of naturally-occurring pollutant-degrading Paracoccus isolates for the development of a biodegradation system and efficient removal of contaminants. The work contemplates plausible use of such potent isolates to establish the plant-microbe interaction, contributing toward contaminated land reclamation. Overall, the work signifies the need and application of genome analysis to identify and explore the prospective potential of Paracoccus spp. for environmental application toward achieving sustainability.

Genomic evidence for two pathways of formaldehyde oxidation and denitrification capabilities of the species Paracoccus methylovorus sp. nov.

Three strains (H4-D09T, S2-D11 and S9-F39) of a member of the genus Paracoccus attributed to a novel species were isolated from topsoil of temperate grasslands. The genome sequence of the type strain H4-D09T exhibited a complete set of genes required for denitrification as well as methylotrophy. The genome of H4-D09T included genes for two alternative pathways of formaldehyde oxidation. Besides the genes for the canonical glutathione (GSH)-dependent formaldehyde oxidation pathway, all genes for the tetrahydrofolate-formaldehyde oxidation pathway were identified. The strain has the potential to utilize methanol and/or methylamine as a single carbon source as evidenced by the presence of methanol dehydrogenase (mxaFI) and methylamine dehydrogenase (mau) genes. Apart from dissimilatory denitrification genes (narA, nirS, norBC and nosZ), genes for assimilatory nitrate (nasA) and nitrite reductases (nirBD) were also identified. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA genes coupled with riboprinting revealed that all three strains represented the same species of genus Paracoccus. Core genome phylogeny of the type strain H4-D09T indicated that Paracoccus thiocyanatus and Paracoccus denitrificans are the closest phylogenetic neighbours. The average nucleotide index (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) with the closest phylogenetic neighbours revealed genetic differences at the species level, which were further substantiated by differences in several physiological characteristics. The major respiratory quinone is Q-10, and the predominant cellular fatty acids are C18 : 1ω7c, C19 : 0cyclo ω7c, and C16 : 0, which correspond to those detected in other members of the genus. The polar lipid profile consists of a diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), aminolipid (AL), glycolipid (GL) and an unidentified lipid (L).On the basis of our results, we concluded that the investigated isolates represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus methylovorus sp. nov. (type strain H4-D09T=LMG 31941T= DSM 111585T) is proposed.

Paracoccus shandongensis sp. nov., Isolated from Activated Sludge.

A novel strain, wg2T, was isolated from activated sludge obtained from wastewater treatment plant in Shandong province, China. The bacterium was Gram-strain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated and non-gliding. This bacterium was characterized to determine its taxonomic position using the polyphasic approach. Strain wg2T grew at 25-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at salinities of 0-7.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2.0%) and at pH 7-9 (optimum, pH 7.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain wg2T clustered with species of genus Paracoccus and shares high similarities with Paracoccus sediminis DSM 26170 T (98.1%) and Paracoccus fontiphilus MVW-1 T (97.7%), respectively. The genome size of strain wg2T was 3.93 Mbp and the DNA G + C content was 66.05%. The dDDH values and ANI between strain wg2T and each of reference strains P. sediminis DSM 26170 T, P. fontiphilus MVW-1 T and P. denitrificans DSM 413 T were 18.3, 12.5, 24.5% and 85.3, 87.0, 78.4%, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was found to be Q-10 and the major fatty acid was C18:1 ω7c. The polar lipids consisted of aminoglycolipid (AGL), phosphatidylcholine (PC), glycolipid (GL), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate (PGP), aminophospholipids (APL). Combining above descriptions, strain wg2T should represent a novel species of genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus shandongensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is wg2T (= KCTC 72862 T = CCTCC AB 2019401 T).

Paracoccus lichenicola sp. nov., Isolated from Lichen.

Strain YIM 132242T, isolated from lichen collected from Pu'er, Yunnan Province, China, was short-rod-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth of the strain was occurred at 10-39 °C (optimum, 28-35 °C), at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and at salinities of 0-8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 132242T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had the highest levels of sequence similarity to Paracoccus aerius KCTC 42845T (97.0% similarity), Paracoccus sediminis CMB17T (96.8% similarity), and Paracoccus fontiphilus MVW-1T (96.4% similarity). The major fatty acid was identified as C18:1 ω7c (77.6%). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). Polar lipid analysis indicated the presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), an unidentified lipid (L), and three unidentified phospholipids (PL1-PL3). Based on the draft genome sequence, the DNA G + C content of the strain was 67.1 mol%, and the values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) of strain YIM 132242T with Paracoccus aerius KCTC 42845T were 85.4% and 29.1%, respectively. On the basis of the data from this polyphasic characterization, strain YIM 132242T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus lichenicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 132242T (= KCTC 72463T = CGMCC1.17191T).

Paracoccus yeei: a Rare Opportunistic Bacterium in a Patient with Parotid Cyst.

BACKGROUND: Parotid cyst is a common problem in patients treated by surgeons. However, Paracoccus yeei was isolated from an aerobic blood culture in a patient with parotid cyst as an unusual etiologic opportunistic agent. METHODS: Since old biochemical identification kits are not able to identify this species, MALDI-TOF MS correctly was recommended to identify this isolate. Its identity was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: The aligned sequences (16S rRNA gene) were used for a phylogenetic analysis (phylogenetic tree), which was produced using the BLAST pair-wise alignments. The sequence analysis determined that the best matches were with Paracoccus yeei. CONCLUSIONS: Paracoccus yeei has been reported as a rare opportunistic human pathogen, we should actively com-municate to the clinic to improve the real positive rate.

Paracoccus jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from Korean salted and fermented shrimp.

A Gram-stain-negative and facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated as strain CBA4604T, was isolated from a traditional Korean salted and fermented shrimp food (saeu-jeot). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBA4604T formed a clearly distinct phyletic lineage from closely related species within the genus Paracoccus. Strain CBA4604T was the most closely related to P. koreensis Ch05T (97.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and other type strains (≤ 97.0%). The genome comprised a chromosome and two plasmids of 3,299,166 bp with 66.5% G+C content. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain CBA4604T and P. koreensis Ch05T, P. alcaliphilus DSM 8512T, and P. stylophorae KTW-16T were 30.5%, 22.9%, and 16.7%, respectively. Cells of the strain were short rod-shaped and oxidase- and catalase-positive. The growth of strain CBA-4604T was observed at 10-40°C (optimum, 37°C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and in the presence of 0-8.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2.0%). Strain CBA4604T contained ubiquinone 10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c) and C18:0 as the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Based on its phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features, we concluded that strain CBA-4604T represents a novel species in the genus Paracoccus and we propose the name Paracoccus jeotgali sp. nov. The type strain is CBA4604T (= KACC 19579T = JCM 32510T).

Paracoccus indicus sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater in the Indian Ocean.

Strain IO390502T, isolated from surface seawater in the Indian Ocean, was characterised using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain IO390502T belongs to the genus Paracoccus and is closely related to Paracoccus seriniphilus DSM 14827T (97.6%), followed by P. zeaxanthinifaciens JCM 21774T (97.5%), P. homiensis DSM 17862T (97.3%), P. marcusii DSM 11574T (97.2%), P. haeundaensis BC 74171T (97.0%) and P. carotinifaciens E-396T (97.0%). Cells are Gram-negative, aerobic, poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, motile, rod-shaped, and forms creamy-white colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25-30 °C, pH 5-8, and in the presence of 3-8% NaCl. The genome of strain IO390502T has a G+C content of 64.9 mol% and a 3.5 Mb chromosome. The in silico DNA-DNA hybridisation and average nucleotide identity values between strain IO390502T and the three closely related taxa, P. seriniphilus DSM 14827T, P. zeaxanthinifaciens JCM 21774T and P. homiensis DSM 17862T, are 19.6%, 21.9% and 20.6%, and 76.0%, 79.9% and 77.8%, respectively. Phosphatidylglycerol is the major lipid present, ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) is the sole isoprenoid quinone, and the major cellular fatty acid is C18:1ω7c. Based on data from phenotypic tests and genotypic differences between strain IO390502T and its close phylogenetic relatives, strain IO390502T represents a new species belonging to the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus indicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IO390502T (= JCM 32637T = CCTCC AB 2018071T).

Paracoccus fontiphilus sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater spring.

Strain MVW-1T, isolated from a freshwater spring in Taiwan, was characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MVW-1T belongs to the genus Paracoccus and has the highest levels of sequence similarity to Paracoccus caeni MJ17T (97.6 %), Paracoccus sediminis CMB17T (97.4 %), Paracoccus angustae E6T (97.3 %) and Paracoccus acridae SCU-M53T (97.1 %). Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, non-motile, rod-shaped and formed light orange-coloured colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 20-25 °C, pH 6-7, and in the presence of 0-3 % NaCl. The major fatty acid of strain MVW-1T was C18 : 1ω7c. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified phospholipids. The predominant polyamines were spermidine, putrescine and cadaverine. The only isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain MVW-1T was 63.4 mol%. Strain MVW-1T exhibited less than 35 % DNA-DNA relatedness to P. caeni MJ17T, P. angustae E6T, P. sediminis CMB17T and P. acridae SCU-M53T. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain MVW-1T should be classified in a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus fontiphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MVW-1T (=BCRC 80974T=LMG 29554T=KCTC 52239T).

Paracoccus alimentarius sp. nov., isolated from a Korean foodstuff, salted pollack.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid or ovoid bacterial strain, designated LB2T, was isolated from a Korean foodstuff, salted pollack. Strain LB2T grew optimally at 25-30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain LB2T belonged to the genus Paracoccus, coherently clustering with the type strain of Paracoccus sulfuroxidans. Strain LB2T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.0 and 97.0 % to the type strains of P. sulfuroxidans and Paracoccus halophilus, respectively, and of less than 96.9 % to the type strains of other Paracoccus species. Strain LB2T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone. Major fatty acids of strain LB2T were cyclo C19 : 0ω8c, C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 (when grown on MA) or C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 (on TSA). The major polar lipids detected in strain LB2T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain LB2T was 61.4 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. sulfuroxidans and P. halophilus were 26 and 18 %, respectively. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain LB2T is separated from recognized Paracoccus species. On the basis of the data presented, strain LB2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus alimentarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LB2T (=KCTC 62138T=NBRC 113023T).

Paracoccus pueri sp. nov., isolated from Pu'er tea.

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped, motile by flagella bacterial strain (THG-N2.35T), was isolated from Pu'er tea. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum 28 °C), at pH 4-7 (optimum 7) and at 0-5% NaCl (optimum 1%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the near phylogenetic neighbours of strain THG-N2.35T were identified as Paracoccus hibisci KACC 18632T (99.0%), Paracoccus tibetensis CGMCC 1.8925T (98.7%), Paracoccus beibuensis CGMCC 1.7295T (98.2%), Paracoccus aestuarii KCTC 22049T (98.2%), Paracoccus rhizosphaerae LMG 26205T (98.1%), Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens ATCC 21588T (97.1%), Paracoccus marcusii DSM 11574T (97.0%). Levels of similarity between strain THG-N2.35T and other Paracoccus species were lower than 97.0%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-N2.35T and P. hibisci KACC 18632T, P. tibetensis CGMCC 1.8925T, P. beibuensis CGMCC 1.7295T, P. aestuarii KCTC 22049T, P. rhizosphaerae LMG 26205T, P. zeaxanthinifaciens ATCC 21588T, P.marcusii DSM 11574T were 47.5% (42.3%, reciprocal analysis), 36.1% (32.3%), 24.7% (22.1%), 19.2% (16.3%), 11.3% (8.8%), 11.1% (10.8%), 6.1% (5.8%), respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain THG-N2.35T was 62.3 mol%. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major fatty acids were C10:0 3OH, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 ω7ϲ. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic data, physiological characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization data, strain THG-N2.35T represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus pueri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-N2.35T (= KACC 18934T = CCTCC AB 2016177T).

Paracoccus litorisediminis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or short rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated GHD-05T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the Yellow Sea in South Korea. Strain GHD-05T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GHD-05T belonged to the genus Paracoccus, clustering with the type strain of Paracoccusaestuariivivens. Strain GHD-05T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.0-99.1 % to the type strains of Paracoccusaestuariivivens, Paracoccuslimosus, Paracoccuslaeviglucosivorans and Paracoccusmarinus, and of 94.2-96.9 % to the type strains of the other Paracoccus species. Strain GHD-05T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids detected in strain GHD-05T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain GHD-05T was 64.1 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. aestuariivivens, Paracoccuslimosus, P. laeviglucosivorans and P. marinus were 13-32 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain GHD-05T is separated from recognized Paracoccus species. On the basis of the data presented here, strain GHD-05T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccuslitorisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GHD-05T (=KCTC 52978T=NBRC 112902T).

Paracoccus sordidisoli sp. nov., isolated from an agricultural field contaminated with hexachlorocyclohexane isomers.

A novel bacterial strain, designated LP91T, was isolated from an agricultural field contaminated with hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers at Ummari Village, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Cells of the strain were aerobic, short rod or coccoid, Gram-stain-negative and non-motile. Colonies of the strain were initially transparent but with time changed to a creamy white colour. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA marker gene showed that it was closely associated with Paracoccus aestuariivivens GHD-30T (99.1 %) and Paracoccus limosus NB88T (98.0 %), followed by Paracoccus laeviglucosivorans 43PT (97.9 %) and Paracoccus marinus KKL-A5T (97.0 %). The DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain LP91T with the closely related type strains mentioned above were below 51.2±0.64 %, confirming it as a distinct species from other known species of the genus Paracoccus. The major cellular fatty acids of strain LP91T were C18 : 0 ω7c/C18 : 0 ω6c and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and aminophospholipid, along with other lipids including glycolipids, aminolipids and other unknown phosphoglycolipids. Spermine was the major polyamine, along with putrescine in a minor amount. Ubiquinone (Q-10) was the sole isoprenoid quinone. Based on the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, it is proposed that the isolate represents a new species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus sordidisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LP91T (=KCTC 42938T=CCM 8696T=MCC 3128T).

Paracoccus mangrovi sp. nov., isolated from a mangrove.

A bacterial strain, designated gyp-1T, was isolated from a mangrove in Taiwan and characterized using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of gyp-1T were Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, non-motile, coccoid or short-rod-shaped and formed cream-coloured colonies. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 5.5-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and with 0-4 % NaCl (optimum, 1-2 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that gyp-1T represented a member of the genus Paracoccus and showed the highest levels of sequence similarity with respect to Paracoccus lutimaris HDM-25T (97.8 %) and Paracoccus aminovorans DM-82T (97.7 %). The major fatty acids (>10 %) of gyp-1T were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content was 64.6 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization value for gyp-1T with P. lutimaris HDM-25T and P. aminovorans DM-82T was less than 50 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic inference, demonstrate that gyp-1T should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus mangrovi sp. nov. is presented. The type strain is gyp-1T (=BCRC 80920T=LMG 29172T=KCTC 42899T).

Paracoccus aerius sp. nov., isolated from air.

Strain 011410T, isolated from air at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain, Beijing, China, was Gram-reaction-negative, facultatively anaerobic, oval-shaped, motile with two flagella and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth of strain 011410T was observed at 4-41 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 4.5-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and at salinities of 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 011410T was a member of the genus Paracoccus and was related most closely to Paracoccus aestuarii B7T (96.62 % similarity) and Paracoccus sediminis CMB17T (96.48 % similarity). The major fatty acid was identified as C18 : 1ω7c, with smaller amounts of C18 : 0, C10 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 2 (C14 : 0 3-OH and/or iso-C16 : 1 I). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10), with Q-9 as a minor component. Polar lipid analysis indicated the presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid, five unknown phospholipids, one unknown aminolipid, one unknown glycolipid and two unknown polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 63.5 mol%. On the basis of the data from this polyphasic characterization, strain 011410T represents a novel species, for which the name Paracoccus aerius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 011410T (=CFCC 14285T=KCTC 42845T).

Paracoccus contaminans sp. nov., isolated from a contaminated water microcosm.

A beige-pigmented, oxidase-positive bacterial strain (WPAn02T), isolated as a presumably airborne contaminant of an axenic bacterial microcosm, was studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of the isolate were coccoid and stained Gram-negative. A comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain WPAn02T with sequences of type strains of the most closely related species of the genus Paracoccus showed highest sequence similarities to Paracoccus chinensis (97.7 %), Paracoccus marinus (97.1 %), Paracoccus niistensis (97.4 %) and 'Paracoccus zhejiangensis' (97.0 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other species of the genus Paracoccuswere below 97 %. The fatty acid profile of the strain consisted of the major fatty acids C18 : 1ω7c/ω9t/ω12t and C18 : 0. DNA-DNA hybridizations between WPAn02T and type strains of P. chinensis, P. marinus, P. niistensis, and 'P. zhejiangensis' resulted in similarity values of 49 % (reciprocal 22 %), 16 % (reciprocal 10 %), 30 % (reciprocal 32 %), and 18 % (reciprocal 7 %), respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization results together with the differentiating biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties indicated that WPAn02T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus contaminans sp. nov. (type strain WPAn02T=RKI 16-01929T=LMG 29738T=CCM 8701T=CIP 111112T), is proposed.

Paracoccus aestuariivivens sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or short-rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated GHD-30T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the Yellow Sea in South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain GHD-30T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 6.5-7.5 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GHD-30Trepresented a member of the genus Paracoccus. Strain GHD-30T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.10-97.33 % to the type strains of Paracoccus lutimaris, Paracoccus limosus and Paracoccus halophilus and of 94.35-96.97 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Paracoccus. Strain GHD-30T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids detected in strain GHD-30T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain GHD-30T was 62.0 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. lutimaris, P. limosus, and P. halophilus were 11-19 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain GHD-30T is separated from recognized species of the genus Paracoccus. On the basis of the data presented, strain GHD-30T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GHD-30T (=KCTC 52214T =NBRC 111993T).

Paracoccus sanguinis sp. nov., isolated from clinical specimens of New York State patients.

Eight independent isolates of a Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile rod, were recovered from clinical specimens of New York State patients between the years 2005 and 2013. Four of these isolates were characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach that involved phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic methodologies. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis, the closest relative type strain of the isolates is Paracoccus sphaerophysae HAMBI 3106T (97.7  % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Among the four isolates, the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity is 100 %. In silico genomic comparisons, including average nucleotide identity (ANI) and the genome-to-genome distance calculator (GGDC), were used as an alternative to DNA-DNA hybridization in this study to support designation of the four isolates as a novel species of the genus Paracoccus. Mass spectrometry profiles were also obtained for the novel isolates using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The predominant cellular fatty acids of the novel isolates were C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 0. Biochemical analysis and morphological characteristics further contribute to designation of the four isolates as a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus sanguinis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 05503T( = DSM 29303T = LMG 28451T).