Brevilactibacter coleopterorum sp. nov., isolated from the intestine of the dark diving beetle Hydrophilus acuminatus, and Weissella coleopterorum sp. nov., isolated from the intestine of the diving beetle Cybister lewisianus.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize two novel bacterial strains, designated as HDW11T and HDW19T, isolated from intestine samples of the dark diving beetle Hydrophilus acuminatus and the diving beetle Cybister lewisianus, respectively. Both isolates were Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic and non-motile. Strain HDW11T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 8 and in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl. Strain HDW19T grew optimally at 25 °C, pH 7 and in the presence of 0.3% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genome sequences revealed that strain HDW11T is a member of the genus Brevilactibacter and is closely related to Brevilactibacter flavus VG341T [with 97.9% 16S rRNA sequence identity and 79.1% average nucleotide identity (ANI)], and that strain HDW19T belongs to the genus Weissella and is closely related to W. koreensis KCTC 3621T (with 98.9% 16S rRNA sequence identity and 79.5% ANI). The major cellular fatty acids of strains HDW11T and HDW19T were C18:1 ω9c and anteiso-C15:0, respectively. The sole respiratory quinone of strain HDW11T was MK-9 (H4). The major polar lipid components of strain HDW11T were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol, and the major polar lipid component of strain HDW19T was diphosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content of strains HDW11T and HDW19T were 72.1 and 37.2 mol%, respectively. The results of phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic analyses suggest that strain HDW11T represents a novel species within the genus Brevilactibacter, and that strain HDW19T represents a novel species within the genus Weissella. We propose the name Brevilactibacter coleopterorum sp. nov. for strain HDW11T (=KACC 21335T=KCTC 49320T=JCM 33680T) and the name Weissella coleopterorum for strain HDW19T (=KACC 21347T=KCTC 43114T=JCM 33684T).

Probiotic and technological features of Enterococcus and Weissella isolates from camel milk characterised by an Argane feeding regimen.

The objectives of this study were to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from a raw Moroccan camel milk collected after the incorporation of a specific Argane by-products diet, and to investigate their technological properties as well as their probiotic features. The molecular identification of the isolates indicated that they belong to Weissella confusa, Weissella cibaria or Enterococcus durans species. Our results revealed that the tested isolates have a fast acidifying ability (values ranging between 0.045 ± 0.01 to 0.93 ± 0.01 after only 4 h incubation), important proteolysis, autolysis, lipolytic activities and an important diacetyl and exopolysaccharides production. All these isolates demonstrated a high tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, namely to gastric simulated juice (survival rate ranged between 75.05 ± 7.88 and 85.55 ± 1.77%) and to bile salts (survival rate between 42.79 ± 1.11 and 82.75 ± 1.01%). The autoaggregation, hydrophobicity and antioxidant activity mean values of the isolates were 13.26-41.16%, 13.23-54.47% and 47.57-63.31%, respectively. Importantly, LAB cultures exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and none of the tested isolates presented antibiotic resistance, haemolytic or DNase activities. This study revealed interesting properties for LAB isolated and supported their utilization as autochthone starters for camel milk fermentation that represent a challenge process. These results presented as well the probiotic potential for a possible human consumption.

Weissella sagaensis sp. nov., isolated from traditional Chinese yogurt.

Three Gram-stain-positive bacterial strains, designated X0750T, X0278 and X0401, isolated from traditional yogurt in Tibet Autonomous Region, PR China, were characterized by a polyphasic approach, including sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and three housekeeping genes (pheS, rpoA and recA), determination of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and average amino acid identity (AAI), in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH), fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis and phenotypic characterization. Strain X0750T was phylogenetically related to the type strains of Weissella hellenica, Weissella bombi, Weissella paramesenteroides, Weissella jogaejeotgali, Weissella thailandensis, Weissella oryzae, Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa, having 94.4-100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, 76.7-90.0 % pheS gene sequence similarities, 88.9-99.4 % rpoA gene sequence similarities and 77.6-92.8 % recA gene sequence similarities, respectively. ANI, isDDH and AAI values between strain X0750T and type strains of phylogenetically related species were less than 90.4, 40.9 and 92.8 % respectively, confirming that strain X0750T represents a novel species within the genus Weissella. Based upon the data obtained in the present study, a novel species, Weissella sagaensis sp. nov., is proposed and the type strain is X0750T(=NCIMB 15192T=CCM 8924T=LMG 31184T=CCTCC AB 2018403T).

Weissella muntiaci sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Formosan barking deer (Muntiacus reevesi).

A Gram-stain-positive strain, 8 H-2T, was isolated from faeces of Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) barking deer in Taiwan. Cells of the strain were short rod-shaped, non-motile, non-haemolytic, asporogenous, facultatively anaerobic, heterofermentative and did not exhibit catalase and oxidase activities. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA, pheS and dnaA gene sequences demonstrated that the novel strain was a member of the genus Weissella. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the type strains of Weissella oryzae (99.2 %), Weissella confusa (97.8 %), Weissella cibaria (97.6 %) and Weissella soli (97.3 %) were the closest neighbours to strain 8 H-2T. The concatenated housekeeping gene sequence (pheS and dnaA) similarities of 8 H-2T to closely related type strains were 72.5-84.9 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with these type strains were 70.2-75.4% and 25.1-30.1 %, respectively. Phenotypic and genotypic test results demonstrated that strain 8 H-2T represents a novel species belonging to the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella muntiaci sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 8 H-2T (=BCRC 81133T=NBRC 113537T).

A polyphasic approach to characterize Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa strains.

AIM: To study Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa strains, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) members naturally present in food products, but not yet included in Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) list of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). METHODS AND RESULTS: We carried out a comparative genome analysis of 23 sequenced W. cibaria and 7 W. confusa genomes, in parallel with a physiological and functional characterization of several strains previously isolated from sourdough-like maize bran fermentation. The genome analysis revealed the absence of dedicated pathogenicity factors. Some putative virulence genes found in Weissella genomes were also present in other LAB strains, considered safe by EFSA and commonly used as probiotics. The physiological tests carried out on our strains corroborated the genomic results. Moreover, the following functional traits of interest to application in the food sector were identified: the majority of tested strains displayed high acidification rate, high reducing ability, production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), arabinoxylan degradation ability, growth in the presence of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), bile and gastric juice tolerance, and antifungal activity. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence for the possible use of selected strains of W. cibaria and W. confusa in the food sector. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This polyphasic study adds to the body of knowledge on the functional and applicable characteristics of these controversial species of LAB. This knowledge contributes to design new selected cultures included in the QPS list required for food applications.

Genome-based reclassification of Weissella jogaejeotgali as a later heterotypic synonym of Weissella thailandensis.

Members of the genus Weissella are mostly found in fermented plant material. Among the Weissella species, two species, Weissella thailandensis and Weissella jogaejeotgali, were isolated from foods fermented from marine animals. The two species showed a high level of 16S rRNA gene similarity (99.39 %), whereas they exhibited a moderate level of DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness (63.9 %) in an earlier study. In this study, we determined the whole genome sequence of W. thailandensis KCTC 3751T and compared it to those of W. jogaejeotgali FOL01T and other related species. The average nucleotide identity value between the type strains of W. thailandensis and W. jogaejeotgali was 96.4 %, which is clearly higher than the cut-off proposed for bacterial species. We, therefore, propose to reclassify W. jogaejeotgali as a later heterotypic synonym of W. thailandensis.

Weissella cryptocerci sp. nov., isolated from gut of the insect Cryptocercus kyebangensis.

A taxonomic study of a Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative bacterium, isolated from the gut of an insect, Cryptocercus kyebangensis collected from the mountainous area of Seoraksan, Yangyang-gun, Republic of Korea, was conducted. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed high similarity values to Weissella ghanensis LMG 24286T (95.9 %), Weissella beninensis 2L24P13T (95.9 %), Weissella fabalis M75T (95.7 %) and Weissella fabaria 257T (95.7 %). The phylogenetic tree indicated that the novel organism formed a cluster with W. ghanensis LMG 24286T, W. beninensis 2L24P13T, W. fabalis M75T and W. fabaria 257T. The G+C content was 41.1 mol% on the basis of the whole-genome sequence. Polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω9c, C16 : 0, C14 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). The cell-wall peptidoglycan was of A4α type with the interpeptide bridge of Gly-d-Glu. Based on these results, strain 26KH-42T could be classified as a novel species of the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissellacryptocerci sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 26KH-42T (=KACC 18423T=NBRC 113066T).

Isolation and characterization of high exopolysaccharide-producing Weissella confusa VP30 from young children's feces.

BACKGROUND: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to have a significant ability to colonize the human intestinal tract and adhere to the surface of intestinal epithelial cells. Among the various lactic acid bacteria, exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing strains are known to provide a variety of health benefits for their hosts (e.g. anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and stress tolerant effects). Recently, EPSs and EPS-producing lactic acid cultures have gained interest within the food industry and are playing important roles as biothickeners and texturizing agents due to their hydrocolloidal nature. In this study, 156 lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from fecal samples of healthy young children were screened and evaluated for active EPS-production capability. RESULTS: Among the various human origin lactic acid flora isolated, Weissella confusa VP30 showed the highest EPS productivity and its EPS producing properties were characterized under various cultural conditions in this research. To document the safety of W. confusa VP30, antibiotic resistance, hemolytic, and ammonia production properties were evaluated in addition. No significant negative results were observed. The maximum EPS production by W. confusa VP30 was 59.99 ± 0.91 g/l after 48 h of cultivation in media containing 10% sucrose, far exceeding EPS production by other bacterial strains reported elsewhere. Based on gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the molecular weight of EPS produced by W. confusa VP30 was 3.8 × 106 Da. Structural analysis of the released EPS fraction by 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed that W. confusa VP30 can produce dextran with glucose units linked with 96.5% α (1 → 6) glycosidic bonds and 3.5% α (1 → 3) branches. CONCLUSION: The high EPS production capability and safety of W. confusa VP30 justify food industry consideration of this cell strain for further evaluation and potential industrial use.

Microbial Diversity Profiling of Polysaccharide (gum)-Producing Bacteria Isolated from a South African Sugarcane Processing Factory.

Polysaccharide (gum)-producing bacteria are responsible for severe economic losses in the sugarcane processing industry. Increased polysaccharide levels in raw sugar are normally an indication that biodeterioration occurred in the cane, soon after harvesting. Once in the sugar processing plant, the cell numbers of gum-producing bacteria escalate and may reach levels difficult to control. We have isolated 430 gum-producing bacteria from sugarcane and different sampling points in a South African sugarcane processing factory. As expected, high cell numbers of gum-producing bacteria were isolated from the factory during a time when sugar with a high dextran content was produced. What we did not expect was to find the same species in the factory at a time when sugar with a low dextran content was produced. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequences differentiated the gum-producing bacteria into four genera and nine species. The majority of these isolates belonged to the genus Weissella (47%), followed by members of Bacillus (24%), Leuconostoc (19%) and Lactobacillus (10%). For the first time, we report on the isolation of Weissella confusa, Weissella cibaria and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens from a sugarcane processing factory.

Phylogenetic Analyses of pheS, dnaA and atpA Genes for Identification of Weissella confusa and Weissella cibaria Isolated from a South African Sugarcane Processing Factory.

A previous study reported on the isolation of 430 polysaccharide (gum)-producing bacteria from a South African sugarcane processing factory and the identification of isolates by comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A large number of isolates (202) belonged to the genus Weissella and clustered with reference strains of Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa. In this study, we identified 147 strains as W. cibaria and 55 as W. confusa based on phylogenetic analyses of pheS and dnaA gene sequences of representative isolates. We also included atpA gene sequence analysis of Weissella isolates as potential future phylogenetic marker to differentiate amongst strains of W. cibaria and W. confusa.

Comparative genomic analysis of bacteriocin-producing Weissella cibaria 110.

Weissella cibaria 110 was isolated from plaa-som, a Thai fermented fish product, and known to produce the weissellicin 110 bacteriocin. We carried out comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of W. cibaria 110 with four other non-bacteriocin-producing W. cibaria strains and identified potential antibiotic-resistant genes. We further identified a type III restriction-modification system, a TA system, and a bacteriocin gene cluster that are unique in W. cibaria 110. Genes related to bacteriocin biosynthesis are organized in clusters and are encoded with minimum genetic machinery consisting of structural cognate immunity genes, including ABC transporter and immunity protein. Finally, we predicted W. cibaria 110 to produce a class IId bacteriocin, weissellicin 110, which is 31 amino acids in length and contains a 21-amino-acid N-terminal leader peptide. This is the first bacteriocin-producing sequencing genome in W. cibaria, and we describe the difference between the bacteriocin-producing and non bacteriocin-producing strains from genome point of view.

Metagenomic Profiling of the Bacterial Community Changes from Koji to Mash Stage in the Brewing of Soy Sauce.

The improvement of soy sauce fermentation is restricted by the insufficient information on bacterial community. In this study, bacterial communities in the koji and mash stage were compared based on next-generation sequencing technology. A total of 29 genera were identified in the koji stage, while 34 in the mash stage. After koji stage, 7 genera disappeared and 12 new genera appeared in the mash stage. The dominant bacteria were Kurthia, Weissella and Staphylococcus in the koji stage and Staphylococcus, Kurthia, Enterococcus and Leuconostoc in the mash stage. The results provided insights into the microbial communities involved in soy sauce fermentation.

Comparative genome analysis of Weissella ceti, an emerging pathogen of farm-raised rainbow trout.

BACKGROUND: The genus Weissella belongs to the lactic acid bacteria and includes 18 currently identified species, predominantly isolated from fermented food but rarely from cases of bacteremia in animals. Recently, a new species, designated Weissella ceti, has been correlated with hemorrhagic illness in farm-raised rainbow trout in China, Brazil, and the USA, with high transmission and mortality rates during outbreaks. Although W. ceti is an important emerging veterinary pathogen, little is known about its genomic features or virulence mechanisms. To better understand these and to characterize the species, we have previously sequenced the genomes of W. ceti strains WS08, WS74, and WS105, isolated from different rainbow trout farms in Brazil and displaying different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. Here, we present a comparative analysis of the three previously sequenced genomes of W. ceti strains from Brazil along with W. ceti NC36 from the USA and those of other Weissella species. RESULTS: Phylogenomic and orthology-based analyses both showed a high-similarity in the genetic structure of these W. ceti strains. This structure is corroborated by the highly syntenic order of their genes and the neutral evolution inferred from Tajima's D. A whole-genome multilocus sequence typing analysis distinguished strains WS08 and NC36 from strains WS74 and WS105. We predicted 10 putative genomic islands (GEI), among which PAIs 3a and 3b are phage sequences that occur only in WS105 and WS74, respectively, whereas PAI 1 is species specific. CONCLUSIONS: We identified several genes putatively involved in the basic processes of bacterial physiology and pathogenesis, including survival in aquatic environment, adherence in the host, spread inside the host, resistance to immune-system-mediated stresses, and antibiotic resistance. These data provide new insights in the molecular epidemiology and host adaptation for this emerging pathogen in aquaculture.

Weissella jogaejeotgali sp. nov., isolated from jogae jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood.

Strain FOL01T was isolated from traditionally fermented Korean jogae jeotgal (fermented clams). Phylogenetic sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from FOL01T revealed that it is closely related to Weissella thailandensis FS61-1T and Weissella paramesenteroides ATCC 33313T with 99.39 % and 98.50 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. API and VITEK analyses showed that strain FOL01T could be separated from its nearest phylogenetic relatives with respect to carbohydrate fermentation and antibiotic resistance. Subsequent amplified rRNA gene restriction analysis of 16S rRNA genes and HaeIII-restriction enzyme profiling of genomic DNAs revealed different band patterns. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization of genomic DNAs showed 63.9 % relatedness. Analysis of the composition of cellular fatty acids confirmed that strain FOL01T differs from its close relatives and supports the proposal to assign this organism to a novel species of the genus Weissella. Based on these results, strain FOL01T could be classified as a novel species of the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella jogaejeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FOL01T ( = KCCM 43128T = JCM 30589T).

Novel lactic acid bacteria isolated from the bumble bee gut: Convivina intestini gen. nov., sp. nov., Lactobacillus bombicola sp. nov., and Weissella bombi sp. nov.

Twelve isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were obtained in the course of a bumble bee gut microbiota study and grouped into four matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry clusters. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that cluster 1 isolates, represented by strain LMG 28288(T), are most closely related to Lactobacillus apis (97.0% sequence similarity to that of L. apis LMG 26964(T)). Cluster 2 isolates represented by strain LMG 28290(T) are most closely related to Weissella hellenica (99.6% sequence similarity to that of W. hellenica LMG 15125(T)). The single cluster 3 and 4 isolates had identical 16S rRNA gene sequences which were 94.8% similar to that of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides LMG 6893(T), their nearest phylogenetic neighbour. A polyphasic taxonomic study additionally including comparative pheS sequence analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization experiments, DNA G+C content analysis, (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting and a biochemical characterization, demonstrated that cluster 1 isolates represent a novel Lactobacillus species for which we propose the name Lactobacillus bombicola sp. nov. with LMG 28288(T) (= DSM 28793(T)) as the type strain; and that cluster 2 isolates represent a novel Weissella species for which we propose the name Weissella bombi sp. nov. with LMG 28290(T) (= DSM 28794(T)) as the type strain. Cluster 3 and 4 isolates, in contrast, represented a very distinct, novel taxon that could be distinguished from members of the genera Leuconostoc and Fructobacillus, its nearest phylogenetic neighbours, by its cellular morphology, non-fructophilic metabolism and DNA G+C content. We therefore classify both isolates into a novel species representing a novel LAB genus for which the name Convivina intestini gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with LMG 28291(T) (= DSM 28795(T)) as the type strain.

Diagnostic tools for rapid detection and quantification of Weissella ceti NC36 infections in rainbow trout.

Weissellosis of rainbow trout is caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Weissella ceti and has been reported in China, Brazil and the United States. This disease can result in high mortality in market-sized fish and thus can cause significant economic loss. Thus far, phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA sequencing have been used to confirm a Weissellosis diagnosis. Here, we present the development of PCR-based diagnostic tools for the rapid identification and quantification of W. ceti within bacteriological culture and infected tissues. A duplex PCR, which amplifies both genus- and strain-specific targets, positively identifies isolates as W. ceti NC36. A qPCR assay was also developed to quantify pathogen load from infected tissues, using a W. ceti NC36 unique locus. A proof of concept study was performed to demonstrate that quantification using traditional plate count methods and qPCR were significantly correlated when assessed from infected brain and spleen tissue. These tools were also used to confirm diagnosis of Weissellosis in a commercial rainbow trout farm during an outbreak investigation. These are the first diagnostic tools developed for identification and quantification of W. ceti infection within rainbow trout, contributing to rapid Weissellosis diagnosis, enhanced pathogen surveillance and epidemiological studies.

Characterization of exopolysaccharide and ropy capsular polysaccharide formation by Weissella.

With their broad functional properties, lactic acid bacteria derived high molar mass exopolysaccharides (EPS) and oligosaccharides are of great interest for food, medical and pharmaceutical industry. EPS formation by 123 strains of Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa, was evaluated. Dextran formation from sucrose was observed for all tested strains while 18 strains produced fructan in addition to dextran. Six isolates synthesized a highly ropy polymer from glucose associated with the formation of a cell-bound, capsular polysaccharide (CPS) composed of glucose, O-acetyl groups and two unidentified monomer components. The soluble EPSs of nine strains were identified as low α-1,3-branched dextran, levan and inulin type polymers using NMR. In addition to glucan and fructan, W. confusa produced gluco- and fructooligosaccharides. Partial dextransucrase and fructansucrase sequences were characterized in the selected Weissella strains. Our study reports the first structural characterization of fructan type EPS from Weissella as well as the first Weissella strain producing inulin. Production of more than one EPS-type by single strains may have high potential for development of applications combining EPS technological and nutritional benefits.

Weissella uvarum sp. nov., isolated from wine grapes.

Two bacterial strains (B18BM42(T) and B18NM6) were recovered during a study of bacterial diversity on wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from the Nemea region in Greece. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the two strains within the genus Weissella, and found them to be most closely related to Weissella minor NRIC 1625(T) followed by Weissella viridescens NRIC 1536(T) (99.1 and 98.9% sequence similarity, respectively). The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains B18NM42(T) and W. minor NRIC 1625(T) or W. viridescens NRIC 1536(T) was 31.9 and 35.0%, respectively. The two novel strains could be genetically differentiated from their closest relatives by REA-PFGE (restriction enzyme analysis-pulse field gel electrophoresis), RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) and rep-PC R analyses (repetitive sequence-based PCR). Physiological examination showed that the novel strains can be distinguished from phylogenetically related species by their ability to grow at 42 °C and by certain carbohydrate fermentations. Based on the evidence above, the affiliation of the two strains to a novel species with the proposed name Weissella uvarum sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is B18NM42(T) ( =DSM 28060(T) =NCCB 100484(T)).

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

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

Weissella diestrammenae sp. nov., isolated from the gut of a camel cricket (Diestrammena coreana).

A novel, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, rod- or coccoid-shaped bacterium, designated strain ORY33(T), was isolated from the gut of a camel cricket (Diestrammena coreana). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain ORY33(T) belonged to the genus Weissella, with highest sequence similarity to Weissella koreensis S-5623(T) (97.7 %). The strain grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7 in the presence of 0 % (w/v) NaCl. Catalase and oxidase activities were negative. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain ORY33(T) was 45.1 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain ORY33(T) and closely related members of the genus Weissella were less than 27 %. The major fatty acids of strain ORY33(T) were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0. Based on these phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic analyses, strain ORY33(T) represents a novel species belonging to the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella diestrammenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ORY33(T) (= KACC 16890(T) = JCM 18559(T)).