Methylobacterium trifolii sp. nov. and Methylobacterium thuringiense sp. nov., methanol-utilizing, pink-pigmented bacteria isolated from leaf surfaces.

Three pink-pigmented, aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and facultatively methylotrophic strains were isolated from the phyllosphere of Trifolium repens and Cerastium holosteoides. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis support the affiliation of all strains to the genus Methylobacterium. The closest relatives of strains C34(T) and T5 were Methylobacterium gnaphalii 23e(T) (98.0 and 98.5 % sequence similarity, respectively) and Methylobacterium organophilum JCM 2833(T) (97.0 and 97.2 %, respectively). Strain TA73(T) showed the highest sequence similarities to Methylobacterium marchantiae JT1(T) and Methylobacterium bullatum F3.2(T) (both 97.9 %), followed by Methylobacterium phyllosphaerae CBMB27(T) and Methylobacterium brachiatum DSM 19569(T) (both 97.8 %), Methylobacterium cerastii C15(T) and Methylobacterium radiotolerans JCM 2831(T) (both 97.7 %). The major components in the fatty acid profiles were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and one unknown fatty acid for strain TA73(T) and C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, C18 : 0 and C16 : 0 for strains C34(T) and T5. Physiological and biochemical analysis, including DNA-DNA hybridization, revealed clear differences between the investigated strains and their closest phylogenetic neighbours. DNA-DNA hybridization studies also showed high similarities between strains C34(T) and T5 (59.6-100 %). Therefore, the isolates represent two novel species within the genus Methylobacterium, for which the names Methylobacterium trifolii sp. nov. (type strain TA73(T) = LMG 25778(T) = CCM 7786(T)) and Methylobacterium thuringiense sp. nov. (type strain C34(T) = LMG 25777(T) = CCM 7787(T)) are proposed.

Ornithinimicrobium murale sp. nov., isolated from an indoor wall colonized by moulds.

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterium (01-Gi-040(T)) isolated from an indoor wall was studied to examine its taxonomic position. The isolate formed a very rudimentary substrate-mycelium that fragmented into rod-shaped to coccoid cells. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain 01-Gi-040(T) was shown to belong to the genus Ornithinimicrobium closely related to Ornithinimicrobium kibberense K22-20(T) (97.1 %), Ornithinimicrobium humiphilum DSM 12362(T) (96.2 %) and Ornithinimicrobium pekingense LW6(T) (96.1 %). A close relationship was also found with Arsenicicoccus bolidensis CCUG 47306(T) (95.9 %) and Arsenicicoccus piscis Kis4-19(T) (95.7 %) and a moderate relationship to the type strains of the genus Serinicoccus (94.0-94.1 %). The predominant menaquinone of strain 01-Gi-040(T) was MK-8(H(4)). The peptidoglycan contained ornithine as the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipid profile consisted of the lipids phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid, an unknown aminolipid and two unknown phosphoglycolipids. The major fatty acids iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) were consistent with the fatty acid patterns reported for members of the genus Ornithinimicrobium. The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations, physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain 01-Gi-040(T) from the three recognized species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium. Strain 01-Gi-040(T) represents a novel species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, for which we propose the name Ornithinimicrobium murale sp. nov., with the type strain 01-Gi-040(T) (= DSM 22056(T) = CCM 7610(T)).

Rhodococcus cerastii sp. nov. and Rhodococcus trifolii sp. nov., two novel species isolated from leaf surfaces.

Two Gram-positive, non-endospore-forming rods, strains C5(T) and T8(T), were isolated from the phyllospheres of Cerastium holosteoides and Trifolium repens, respectively, and were studied in detail for their taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis allocated both isolates clearly to the genus Rhodococcus. Isolate C5(T) was most closely related to Rhodococcus fascians and Rhodococcus yunnanensis, showing 99.2 % gene sequence similarity to both species. Strain T8(T) revealed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Rhodococcus corynebacterioides (98.8 %) and Rhodococcus kroppenstedtii (98.6 %). The quinone system of both strains was composed of dihydrogenated menaquinones with eight (major amount) as well as nine, seven and six isoprenoid units (MK-8H2, MK-9H2 MK-7H2 MK-6H2).The polar lipid profiles of strains C5(T) and T8(T) consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and one unknown phospholipid. Additionally, strain C5(T) contained one unknown glycolipid, and strain T8(T) three unknown aminolipids. The fatty acid profiles contained major amounts of C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and 10-methyl C18 : 0, which supported the grouping of the two isolates in the genus Rhodococcus. Physiological/biochemical characterization and DNA-DNA hybridizations with the type strains of the most closely related species allowed a clear phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of both strains. For this reason, we propose strain C5(T) ( = LMG 26203(T)  = CCM 7906(T)) as the type strain of a novel species with the name Rhodococcus cerastii sp. nov., and strain T8(T) ( = LMG 26204(T)  = CCM 7905(T)) as the type strain of a second novel species with the name Rhodococcus trifolii sp. nov.

Microbacterium murale sp. nov., isolated from an indoor wall.

A Gram-positive rod, designated 01-Gi-001(T), was isolated from a wall colonized with moulds. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis clearly showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Microbacterium. On the basis of pairwise comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain 01-Gi-001(T) was most closely related to Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans DSM 16089(T) (98.9% sequence similarity), Microbacterium profundi Shh49(T) (98.7%), Microbacterium phyllosphaerae DSM 13468(T) (98.3%) and Microbacterium foliorum DSM 12966(T) (98.1%). The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was ornithine. The major menaquinones detected were MK-13 and MK-12. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown phospholipid and one unknown glycolipid. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0) and anteiso-C(17:0), which were in agreement with those reported for other members of the genus Microbacterium. Physiological and biochemical characteristics and DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 01-Gi-001(T) and the type strains of its closest phylogenetic neighbours showed clear differences. For this reason, strain 01-Gi-001(T) (=DSM 22178(T)=CCM 7640(T)) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, Microbacterium murale sp. nov.

Flavobacterium chilense sp. nov. and Flavobacterium araucananum sp. nov., isolated from farmed salmonid fish.

Three Gram-staining-negative non-endospore-forming strains were isolated from farmed fish in Chile: one (LM-09-Fp(T)) from a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the others (LM-19-Fp(T) and LM-20-Fp) from two Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that all three isolates belonged to the genus Flavobacterium. In these analyses, strain LM-09-Fp(T) appeared most closely related to the type strains of Flavobacterium chungangense (98.5 % sequence similarity), Flavobacterium glaciei (98.2 %), Flavobacterium aquidurense (97.6 %), Flavobacterium saccharophilum (97.6 %) and Flavobacterium hercynium (97.6 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains LM-19-Fp(T) and LM-20-Fp were found to be identical and most similar to the corresponding sequences of the type strains of Flavobacterium aquidurense (98.6 %), Flavobacterium frigidimaris (98.5 %), Flavobacterium hercynium (97.9 %), Flavobacterium saccharophilum (97.7 %) and Flavobacterium pectinovorum (97.7 %). For each of the three novel strains, menaquinone (MK-6) was the predominant respiratory quinone and the major compounds in the polar lipid profile were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, phosphatidylserine and two or three unknown lipids. The fatty acid profile of each strain, which comprised major amounts of iso-C(15:0), C(15:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH) as well as smaller amounts of various hydroxylated fatty acids (e.g. iso-C(16:0) 3-OH, iso-C(17:0) 3-OH, C(16:0) 3-OH and C(15:0) 3-OH), indicated that each belonged to the genus Flavobacterium. Based on their physiological and biochemical characteristics and the results of DNA-DNA hybridizations, which showed relatively low levels of relatedness between the novel strains and the most closely related Flavobacterium species, strain LM-09-Fp(T) ( = LMG 26360(T) = CCM 7940(T)) represents a novel species within the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium chilense sp. nov. is proposed, and strains LM-19-Fp(T) ( = LMG 26359(T) = CCM 7939(T)) and LM-20-Fp ( = LMG 26331) represent a second novel species within the same genus, for which the name Flavobacterium araucananum sp. nov. is proposed.

Camelimonas abortus sp. nov., isolated from placental tissue of cattle.

A gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, isolated from placental tissue of a cow, was investigated for its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain UK34/07-5(T) was shown to belong to the class Alphaproteobacteria, closely related to the type strain of Camelimonas lactis (96.0 % sequence similarity). The polyamine pattern showed the major compound spermidine and moderate amounts of putrescine. The major quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major compounds phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and moderate amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified phospholipid. The profile of major fatty acids, consisting of C(19 : 0) cyclo ω8c and C(18 : 1)ω7c, with C(18 : 0) 3-OH as the hydroxylated fatty acid, was very similar to that of C. lactis M 2040(T). The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed both genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from C. lactis. The relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.0 % to C. lactis M 2040(T) and marked differences in the polar lipid profiles as well as the results of physiological tests and the DNA-DNA hybridization data support the creation of a novel species, for which the name Camelimonas abortus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain UK34/07-5(T) ( = CIP 110303(T)  = CCUG 61094(T)  = DSM 24741(T)  = CCM 7941(T)).

Methylobacterium cerastii sp. nov., isolated from the leaf surface of Cerastium holosteoides.

Two Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming, rod-like strains, designated C15T and C44, were isolated from the phyllosphere of Cerastium holosteoides and were studied in detail in order to assess their taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis allocated both isolates clearly to the genus Methylobacterium. Both strains showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Methylobacterium marchantiae JT1T (97.5 %) and Methylobacterium jeotgali S2R03-9T (97.4 %). The fatty acid profiles contained major amounts of C16:0, C18:1ω7c and C16:1ω7c/iso-C15:0 2-OH (summed feature 3), which supported the grouping of the isolates in the genus Methylobacterium. Physiological/biochemical characterization and DNA-DNA hybridizations with the type strains of the most closely related species allowed a clear phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of the strains. For this reason, we propose for strain C15T (=DSM 23679T=CCUG 60040T=CCM 7788T) a novel species with the name Methylobacterium cerastii sp. nov. Strain C44 (=DSM 23675=CCM 7789) is an additional strain of M. cerastii.

Diversity and biogeography of selected phyllosphere bacteria with special emphasis on Methylobacterium spp.

On the basis of cultivation-dependent (isolation on mineral salt medium supplemented with 0.5% methanol) and -independent (DGGE analysis) methods, we investigated the influence of the host plant species Trifolium repens and Cerastium holosteoides, three geographic locations and the land-use types meadow, mown pasture and pasture on the abundance and community composition of selected phyllosphere bacteria with emphasis on Methylobacterium species. Methylobacterium abundance was significantly higher on leaves of T. repens (mean value 2.0×10(7) CFU PPFM per g leaf) than on leaves of C. holosteoides (mean value 2.0×10(6) CFU per g leaf). Leaves from the sampling site Schorfheide-Chorin showed slightly lower Methylobacterium numbers than leaves of the other sampling sites. Land-use and sampling period had no consistent influence on Methylobacterium community size. Methylobacterium community composition was very similar over both sampling periods, all three sampling sites, all land-use types and both plant species. Moreover, no relationship between geographic and genetic distance was observed. Community composition of selected Proteobacteria was influenced by plant species, geographic location and land-use. Often, differences in community composition could be observed between meadows, mown pastures and pastures but not between different kinds of meadows (cutted once versus three times) and mown pastures (fertilized versus non-fertilized). The results also indicate, that whether there are differences between land-use types or not strongly depends on the investigated host plant species and ecosystem. Besides Methylobacterium, representatives of Methylophilus were detected. The results indicate that Methylobacterium species are generally abundant and stable members of the phyllosphere community whereas other genera occur more occasionally, and that Methylobacterium clearly dominates the methylotrophic phyllosphere community.

Williamsia phyllosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from the surface of Trifolium repens leaves.

A Gram-positive-staining, non-endospore-forming actinobacterium, designated C7(T), was isolated from the leaf surface of Trifolium repens. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain C7(T) was shown to belong to the genus Williamsia and was most closely related to Williamsia maris SJS0289/JS1(T) (98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Williamsia deligens IMMIB RIV-956(T) (96.4 %) and Williamsia serinedens IMMIB SR-4(T) (95.7 %). The quinone system consisted predominantly of the menaquinones MK-9(H(2)), MK-8(H(2)) and MK-7(H(2)). The major components in the polar lipid profile were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. Mycolic acids were present. These chemotaxonomic traits and the major fatty acids, which were C(16 : 1)ω7c, C(16 : 0), C(18 : 0), C(18 : 1)ω9c and tuberculostearic acid, supported the affiliation of strain C7(T) with the genus Williamsia. Physiological and biochemical analysis revealed clear differences between strain C7(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, strain C7(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Williamsia phyllosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C7(T) ( = CCUG 60465(T) = CCM 7855(T)).

Jiangella muralis sp. nov., from an indoor environment.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterium, designated 15-Je-017(T), was isolated from wall material of an indoor environment. The isolate formed a rudimentary substrate mycelium that fragmented into rod-shaped cells. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain 15-Je-017(T) was shown to belong to the genus Jiangella and was most closely related to Jiangella alba YIM 61503(T) (99.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Jiangella alkaliphila D8-87(T) (99.0 %) and Jiangella gansuensis YIM 002(T) (99.0 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)). Whole-cell hydrolysates contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall and rhamnose and glucose as the main sugars. Mycolic acids were absent. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and seven unknown phospholipids. The fatty acid profile contained major amounts (>5 %) of anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and C(17 : 1)ω8c, which supported the affiliation of strain 15-Je-017(T) to the genus Jiangella. DNA-DNA relatedness and physiological and biochemical tests allowed the differentiation of strain 15-Je-017(T) from the type strains of the three known Jiangella species. Strain 15-Je-017(T) represents a novel Jiangella species, for which we propose the name Jiangella muralis sp. nov., with type strain 15-Je-017(T) (=DSM 45357(T) =CCM 7680(T)).

Hydrotalea flava gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the phylum Bacteroidetes and allocation of the genera Chitinophaga, Sediminibacterium, Lacibacter, Flavihumibacter, Flavisolibacter, Niabella, Niastella, Segetibacter, Parasegetibacter, Terrimonas, Ferruginibacter, Filimonas and Hydrotalea to the family Chitinophagaceae fam. nov.

Three bacterial strains, designated CCUG 51397(T), CCUG 53736 and CCUG 53920, isolated from water samples taken at different locations in southern Sweden were studied to determine their taxonomic position using a polyphasic approach. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these bacteria had <93 % sequence similarity to all described species of the genera Sediminibacterium, Lacibacter, Flavihumibacter, Flavisolibacter, Niabella, Niastella, Segetibacter, Parasegetibacter, Terrimonas, Ferruginibacter, Filimonas and Chitinophaga. The three organisms grouped most closely with Sediminibacterium salmoneum NJ-44(T) but showed only 92.5 % sequence similarity to this strain, the only recognized species of this genus. The fatty acid profiles showed large amounts of iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and iso-C15:1 G with smaller amounts of iso-C15:0 3-OH, iso-C16:0 3-OH and other fatty acids, which differentiated the novel strains from related genera. Biochemical tests performed on strains CCUG 51397(T), CCUG 53736 and CCUG 53920 also gave different results from those of Sediminibacterium salmoneum NJ-44(T) and other related genera. Based on this evidence, strains CCUG 51397(T), CCUG 53736 and CCUG 53920 represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Hydrotalea flava gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Hydrotalea flava is CCUG 51397(T) (=CCM 7760(T)). A formal allocation of the genera Sediminibacterium, Lacibacter, Flavihumibacter, Flavisolibacter, Niabella, Niastella, Segetibacter, Parasegetibacter, Terrimonas, Ferruginibacter, Filimonas and Chitinophaga to the family Chitinophagaceae fam. nov. is also proposed.

Ornithinibacillus contaminans sp. nov., an endospore-forming species.

A Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming rod, designated CCUG 53201(T), was isolated from a human blood sample of a 75-year-old woman. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis showed that strain CCUG 53201(T) clustered with the type strains of species of the genus Ornithinibacillus. Strain CCUG 53201(T) was most closely related to Ornithinibacillus bavariensis WSBC 24001(T) and Ornithinibacillus californiensis DSM 16628(T) (97.9 and 98.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Strain CCUG 53201(T) contained a peptidoglycan of type A4ß l-Orn-d-Asp. The quinone system was composed of the menaquinone MK-7 and small amounts of MK-6. The polar lipid profile of strain CCUG 53201(T) consisted of major amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid, moderate amounts of phosphatidylglycerol and another two unidentified phospholipids and minor amounts of several other components. The fatty acid profile comprised mainly anteiso- and iso-branched fatty acids and was in accordance with those of members of the genus Ornithinibacillus. The polyamine pattern exhibited the major compounds spermidine and spermine. The results of physiological and biochemical tests and DNA-DNA hybridization allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain CCUG 53201(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. We propose a novel species with the name Ornithinibacillus contaminans sp. nov., with type strain CCUG 53201(T) (=DSM 22953(T)).

Leucobacter aerolatus sp. nov., from the air of a duck barn.

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterium (Sj 10(T)) was isolated on tryptone soy agar from the air of a duck barn after filter sampling. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain Sj 10(T) was shown to belong to the genus Leucobacter and was closely related to Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. chromiireducens L-1(T) (97.8 %), Leucobacter tardus DSM 19811(T) (97.3 %) and Leucobacter luti RF6(T) (97.3 %). The peptidoglycan of strain Sj 10(T) contained 2,4-diaminobutyric acid in combination with a lower amount of lysine as diagnostic diamino acids. In addition, threonine, glycine, alanine and glutamic acid were found. Menaquinone MK-11 was the major respiratory quinone; MK-12 and MK-10 were detected in minor amounts. The polar lipid pattern consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and one unknown component each of a phospholipid, glycolipid and aminoglycolipid. Strain Sj 10(T) contained the major fatty acids anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0), like other members of the genus Leucobacter. Results of DNA-DNA hybridization, physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Sj 10(T) to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the most closely related Leucobacter species. Strain Sj 10(T) represents a novel species of the genus Leucobacter, for which the name Leucobacter aerolatus sp. nov. is proposed, with Sj 10(T) (=DSM 22806(T) =CCM 7705(T)) as the type strain.

Paenalcaligenes hominis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Alcaligenaceae.

A beige-pigmented bacterium (strain CCUG 53761A(T)) was isolated from human blood from an 85-year-old man in Göteborg, Sweden. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this bacterium displayed <95 % similarity to all described species of the genera of the family Alcaligenaceae. It grouped within the radiation of the genus Alcaligenes, but showed only 93.0-94.8 % similarity to type strains of members of this genus (Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. parafaecalis, 94.8 %; Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. faecalis, 94.2 %; Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. phenolicus, 93.4 %). This discrimination was supported by chemotaxonomic differences. The polyamine pattern consisted of the predominant compound putrescine, moderate amounts of spermidine and minor to trace amounts of spermine and cadaverine; 2-hydroxyputrescine was not detectable. The quinone system was ubiquinone Q-8 with minor amounts of Q-7. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine and moderate amounts of phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid; minor lipids were also detected. The fatty acid profile, with large amounts of C(16 : 0) and C(17 : 0) cyclo and the absence of C(12 : 0) 2-OH as hydroxylated fatty acid, also differed significantly from those reported for Alcaligenes species. On the basis of these data, it is proposed that strain CCUG 53761A(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Paenalcaligenes hominis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Paenalcaligenes hominis is CCUG 53761A(T) =CCM 7698(T).

Murinocardiopsis flavida gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from indoor walls.

Two Gram-stain-positive, mycelium-forming actinobacteria (strains 14-Be-013T and 02-Gi-014) were isolated from walls colonized with moulds and studied taxonomically. The isolates formed yellowish-pigmented substrate mycelium showing no fragmentation. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these bacteria are most closely related to genera within the family Nocardiopsaceae, but form a separate lineage within this family. Highest sequence similarities were to the type strains of Marinactinospora thermotolerans (96.0% to 14-Be-013T), Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. albirubida and Nocardiopsis lucentensis (both 95.3% to 14-Be-013T). Whole-cell hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid of the cell wall and no diagnostic sugars. Mycolic acids were absent. The major menaquinones were MK-10(H4), MK-11(H4) and MK-12(H2). The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and unknown lipids. Major fatty acids iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C18:1omega9c supported the affiliation of these isolates to the family Nocardiopsaceae. Phenotypic analysis (including chemotaxonomy) further differentiated strains 14-Be-013T and 02-Gi-014 from the most closely related members of the genera Marinactinospora and Nocardiopsis. Since the two strains form a distinct lineage in the 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic tree, the novel genus Murinocardiopsis gen. nov. with the type species Murinocardiopsis flavida sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Murinocardiopsis flavida is 14-Be-013T (=DSM 45312T =CCM 7612T).

Microlunatus parietis sp. nov., isolated from an indoor wall.

A Gram-positive, coccoid, non-endospore-forming actinobacterium (strain 12-Be-011(T)) was isolated from indoor wall material. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain 12-Be-011(T) was clearly shown to belong to the genus Microlunatus and was most closely related to Microlunatus panaciterrae Gsoil 954(T) (95.7 %), Microlunatus soli CC-12602(T) (94.9 %), Microlunatus ginsengisoli Gsoil 633(T) (94.8 %), Microlunatus aurantiacus YIM 45721(T) (95.5 %) and Microlunatus phosphovorus DSM 10555(T) (94.7 %). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained LL-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Mycolic acids were absent. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unknown phospholipids and one unknown glycolipid. The major fatty acids of iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 supported the affiliation of strain 12-Be-011(T) to the genus Microlunatus. Physiological and biochemical test results allowed a clear phenotypic differentiation of strain 12-Be-011(T) from all other species of the genus Microlunatus. Hence, strain 12-Be-011(T) can be regarded as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Microlunatus parietis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 12-Be-011(T) (=DSM 22083(T)=CCM 7636(T)).

Sporosarcina contaminans sp. nov. and Sporosarcina thermotolerans sp. nov., two endospore-forming species.

The taxonomic positions of two Gram-positive, endospore-forming rods, strains CCUG 53915(T) and CCUG 53480(T), isolated from an industrial clean-room floor and from a human blood sample, respectively, were studied. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies revealed that both isolates clearly clustered with Sporosarcina species. Strain CCUG 53915(T) was most closely related to Sporosarcina koreensis and Sporosarcina soli, showing 99.4 and 99.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of these species, respectively. Strain CCUG 53480(T) showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of S. koreensis (98.7 %) and Sporosarcina saromensis (98.6 %). Strains CCUG 53915(T) and CCUG 53480(T) had peptidoglycan type A4alpha l-Lys-d-Glu. The quinone systems of both strains were composed predominantly of menaquinone MK-7, with small amounts of MK-8. The polar lipid profiles of both strains consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and three unidentified phospholipids. The fatty acid profiles, which comprise anteiso- and iso-branched fatty acids, supported affiliation of the two isolates to the genus Sporosarcina. The results of physiological and biochemical tests and DNA-DNA hybridization data allowed a clear phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of both strains from the most closely related Sporosarcina species. For this reason, it is proposed that strains CCUG 53915(T) (=DSM 22204(T)) and CCUG 53480(T) (=DSM 22203(T)) represent two novel species in the genus Sporosarcina, with the names Sporosarcina contaminans sp. nov. and Sporosarcina thermotolerans sp. nov., respectively.

Camelimonas lactis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the milk of camels.

Three strains of Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria (M 2040(T), M 1973 and M 1878-SK2), isolated from milk of camels at a camel-milk production farm in the United Arab Emirates, were investigated for their taxonomic allocation. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, all three strains were shown to belong to the Alphaproteobacteria and were most closely related to Chelatococcus asaccharovorans and Chelatococcus daeguensis (95.1 and 95.2 % sequence similarity to the respective type strains). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was detected as the characteristic peptidoglycan diamino acid. The predominant compound in the polyamine pattern was spermidine, and sym-homospermidine was not detectable. The quinone system was ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile included the major compounds phosphatidylcholine and diphosphatidylglycerol and moderate amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified aminolipids. Minor lipids were also detected. The major fatty acid profile, consisting of C19 :0 cyclo ω8c and C18:1 ω7c, with C18 :03-OH as the major hydroxylated fatty acid, was similar to those of the genus Chelatococcus. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and physiological and biochemical tests allowed both genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolates from described Chelatococcus species. Isolates M 2040(T), M 1973 and M 1878-SK2 were closely related on the basis of DNA-DNA reassociation and therefore represent a single novel species. In summary, low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95 % with Chelatococcus asaccharovorans and marked differences in polar lipid profiles as well as in polyamine patterns support the description of a novel genus and species to accommodate these strains, for which the name Camelimonas lactis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Camelimonas lactis is M 2040(T) (=CCUG 58638(T) =CCM 7696(T)).