Quantification of endospore-forming firmicutes by quantitative PCR with the functional gene spo0A.

Bacterial endospores are highly specialized cellular forms that allow endospore-forming Firmicutes (EFF) to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. EFF are considered ubiquitous in natural environments, in particular, those subjected to stress conditions. In addition to natural habitats, EFF are often the cause of contamination problems in anthropogenic environments, such as industrial production plants or hospitals. It is therefore desirable to assess their prevalence in environmental and industrial fields. To this end, a high-sensitivity detection method is still needed. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an approach based on quantitative PCR (qPCR). For this, the suitability of functional genes specific for and common to all EFF were evaluated. Seven genes were considered, but only spo0A was retained to identify conserved regions for qPCR primer design. An approach based on multivariate analysis was developed for primer design. Two primer sets were obtained and evaluated with 16 pure cultures, including representatives of the genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevibacillus, Geobacillus, Alicyclobacillus, Sulfobacillus, Clostridium, and Desulfotomaculum, as well as with environmental samples. The primer sets developed gave a reliable quantification when tested on laboratory strains, with the exception of Sulfobacillus and Desulfotomaculum. A test using sediment samples with a diverse EFF community also gave a reliable quantification compared to 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. A detection limit of about 10(4) cells (or spores) per gram of initial material was calculated, indicating this method has a promising potential for the detection of EFF over a wide range of applications.

Screening of anaerobic activities in sediments of an acidic environment: Tinto River.

The Tinto River (Huelva, Spain) is a natural acidic rock drainage environment produced by the bio-oxidation of metallic sulfides from the Iberian Pyritic Belt. A geomicrobiological model of the different microbial cycles operating in the sediments was recently developed through molecular biological methods, suggesting the presence of iron reducers, methanogens, nitrate reducers and hydrogen producers. In this study, we used a combination of molecular biological methods and targeted enrichment incubations to validate this model and prove the existence of those potential anaerobic activities in the acidic sediments of Tinto River. Methanogenic, sulfate-reducing, denitrifying and hydrogen-producing enrichments were all positive at pH between 5 and 7. Methanogenic enrichments revealed the presence of methanogenic archaea belonging to the genera Methanosarcina and Methanobrevibacter. Enrichments for sulfate-reducing microorganisms were dominated by Desulfotomaculum spp. Denitrifying enrichments showed a broad diversity of bacteria belonging to the genera Paenibacillus, Bacillus, Sedimentibacter, Lysinibacillus, Delftia, Alcaligenes, Clostridium and Desulfitobacterium. Hydrogen-producing enrichments were dominated by Clostridium spp. These enrichments confirm the presence of anaerobic activities in the acidic sediments of the Tinto River that are normally assumed to take place exclusively at neutral pH.

Isolation of Robinsoniella peoriensis from the feces of premature neonates.

Robinsoniella peoriensis is a recently described anaerobic, spore-forming, Gram positive bacillus originally recovered from swine-manure and clinical human samples. In this study, R. peoriensis was isolated from the feces of one set of twin premature neonates. It suggests that this anaerobic bacillus may be a commensal bacterium of human gut.

Characterization of Halanaerocella petrolearia gen. nov., sp. nov., a new anaerobic moderately halophilic fermentative bacterium isolated from a deep subsurface hypersaline oil reservoir : New taxa: Firmicutes (Class Clostridia, Order Halanaerobiales, Halobacteroidaceae, Halobacteroides).

An anaerobic, halophilic, and fermentative bacterium, strain S200(T), was isolated from a core sample of a deep hypersaline oil reservoir. Cells were rod-shaped, non-motile, and stained Gram-positive. It grew at NaCl concentrations ranging from 6 to 26% (w/v), with optimal growth at 15% (w/v) NaCl, and at temperatures between 25 and 47°C with an optimum at 40-45°C. The optimum pH was 7.3 (range 6.2-8.8; no growth at pH 5.8 and pH 9). The doubling time in optimized growth conditions was 3.5 h. Strain S200(T) used exclusively carbohydrates as carbon and energy sources. The end products of glucose degradation were lactate, formate, ethanol, acetate, H(2), and CO(2). The predominant cellular fatty acids were non-branched fatty acids C(16:1), C(16:0), and C(14:0). The G + C mole% of the DNA was 32.7%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain S200(T) formed a distinct lineage within the family Halobacteroidaceae, order Halanaerobiales, and was most closely related to Halanaerobaculum tunisiense DSM 19997(T) and Halobacteroides halobius DSM 5150(T), with sequence similarity of 92.3 and 91.9%, respectively. On the basis of its physiological and genotypic properties, strain S200(T) is proposed to be assigned to a novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Halanaerocella petrolearia is proposed. The type strain of Halanaerocella petrolearia is strain S200(T) (=DSM 22693(T) = JCM 16358(T)).

Robinsoniella peoriensis bacteremia in a patient with pancreatic cancer.

Robinsoniella peoriensis was recently identified as a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic rod originally isolated from swine manure storage pits. We describe here a case of R. peoriensis bacteremia in a 42-year-old male with pancreatic cancer. The identification was confirmed by unique phenotypic profiles and partial 16S rRNA gene sequences.

PCR detection of thermophilic spore-forming bacteria involved in canned food spoilage.

Thermophilic bacteria that form highly heat-resistant spores constitute an important group of spoilage bacteria of low-acid canned food. A PCR assay was developed in order to rapidly trace these bacteria. Three PCR primer pairs were designed from rRNA gene sequences. These primers were evaluated for the specificity and the sensitivity of detection. Two primer pairs allowed detection at the species level of Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Moorella thermoacetica/thermoautrophica. The other pair allowed group-specific detection of anaerobic thermophilic bacteria of the genera Thermoanaerobacterium, Thermoanaerobacter, Caldanerobium and Caldanaerobacter. After a single enrichment step, these PCR assays allowed the detection of 28 thermophiles from 34 cans of spoiled low-acid food. In addition, 13 ingredients were screened for the presence of these bacteria. This PCR assay serves as a detection method for strains able to spoil low-acid canned food treated at 55°C. It will lead to better reactivity in the canning industry. Raw materials and ingredients might be qualified not only for quantitative spore contamination, but also for qualitative contamination by highly heat-resistant spores.

Gracilibacillus ureilyticus sp. nov., a halotolerant bacterium from a saline-alkaline soil.

A Gram-stain-positive, halotolerant, neutrophilic, rod-shaped bacterium, strain MF38(T), was isolated from a saline-alkaline soil in China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate grew in the presence of 0-15 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.5-8.5; optimum growth was observed with 3.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(17 : 0) and C(16 : 0) as major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 35.3 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of strain MF38(T) with type strains of described Gracilibacillus species ranged from 95.3 to 97.7 %. Strain MF38(T) exhibited the closest phylogenetic affinity to the type strain of Gracilibacillus dipsosauri, with 97.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The DNA-DNA reassociation between strain MF38(T) and G. dipsosauri DSM 11125(T) was 45 %. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain MF38(T) represents a novel species of the genus Gracilibacillus, for which the name Gracilibacillus ureilyticus sp. nov. (type strain MF38(T) =CGMCC 1.7727(T) =JCM 15711(T)) is proposed.

Paenibacillus pocheonensis sp. nov., a facultative anaerobe isolated from soil of a ginseng field.

A Gram-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, strain Gsoil 1138(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon Province, South Korea, and was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 1138(T) was shown to belong to the family Paenibacillaceae and was most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus chondroitinus (98.2 % similarity) and Paenibacillus alginolyticus (96.5 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Gsoil 1138(T) and the type strains of other recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus were below 96.5 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Gsoil 1138(T) was 52.1+/-0.2 mol% (mean+/-sd of three determinations). Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (MK-7 as the major menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0) as the predominant fatty acids) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 1138(T) to the genus Paenibacillus. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain Gsoil 1138(T) to be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus. Strain Gsoil 1138(T) is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus pocheonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 1138(T) (=KCTC 13941(T)=LMG 23404(T)).

Proteocatella sphenisci gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant, spore-forming anaerobe isolated from penguin guano.

A novel, obligately anaerobic, psychrotolerant bacterium, designated strain PPP2T, was isolated from guano of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in Chilean Patagonia. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming, straight rods (0.7-0.8x3.0-5.0 microm) that were motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Growth was observed at pH 6.7-9.7 (optimum pH 8.3) and 2-37 degrees C (optimum 29 degrees C). Growth was observed between 0 and 4% (w/v) NaCl with optimum growth at 0.5% (w/v). Strain PPP2T was a catalase-negative chemo-organoheterotroph that was capable of fermentative metabolism. Peptone, bacto-tryptone, Casamino acids, oxalate, starch, chitin and yeast extract were utilized as substrates. The major metabolic products were acetate, butyrate and ethanol. Strain PPP2T was resistant to ampicillin, but sensitive to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, kanamycin, vancomycin and gentamicin. The DNA G+C content of strain PPP2T was 39.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain PPP2T was related most closely to Clostridium sticklandii SR (approximately 90% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics, strain PPP2T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Proteocatella sphenisci gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Proteocatella sphenisci is PPP2T (=ATCC BAA-755T=JCM 12175T=CIP 108034T).

Effects of chelating reagents on colonial appearance of Paenibacillus alvei isolated from canine oral cavity.

A bacterial strain isolated from the oral cavity of a healthy dog revealed an unusual colony formation in nebular appearance on agar plates. The isolated bacterial strain was Gram-positive, spore-forming rod with peritrichous flagella, and grown under aerobic conditions, but unable to grow at 45 degrees C. The strain was tentatively classified as Paenibacillus alvei according to the biochemical properties and the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The isolate exhibits collective locomotion on solid agar plates. The bacterial motility was inhibited with EDTA and was restored by adding magnesium. We concluded that magnesium ion is essential for collective locomotion of P. alvei. This suggests that EDTA is useful for inhibition of biofilm formation.

Desmospora activa gen. nov., sp. nov., a thermoactinomycete isolated from sputum of a patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, and emended description of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae Matsuo et al. 2006.

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic, catalase-positive, filamentous micro-organism, designated strain IMMIB L-1269(T), originating from sputum was characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. It showed cell-wall chemotype III, phospholipid type PII (with phosphatidylethanolamine as the diagnostic phospholipid) and contained an unsaturated menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) as the predominant isoprenoid quinone. It synthesized long-chain cellular fatty acids of the straight-chain saturated, monounsaturated and iso- and anteiso-branched types (with iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) predominating) and possessed a DNA G+C content of 49.3 mol%. On the basis of its morphological, biochemical and chemical characteristics, strain IMMIB L-1269(T) did not conform to any presently recognized taxon. Comparative analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the distinctiveness of the isolate, as it displayed sequence-divergence values greater than 7.7 % with respect to recognized Gram-positive taxa. Phylogenetic treeing analysis served to reinforce the view that strain IMMIB L-1269(T) was distinct from recognized taxa, as it formed a relatively long subline branching within a 16S rRNA gene sequence cluster that encompassed the genera Thermoactinomyces, Laceyella, Mechercharimyces, Thermoflavimicrobium, Planifilum, Seinonella and Shimazuella of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular phylogenetic evidence, strain IMMIB L-1269(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Desmospora activa gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Desmospora activa is strain IMMIB L-1269(T) (=DSM 45169(T) =CCUG 55916(T)). An emended description of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae is also given.

Robinsoniella peoriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a swine-manure storage pit and a human clinical source.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on six strains of an unknown Gram-positive, non-motile, spore-forming, short oval to rod-shaped bacterium isolated from a swine-manure storage pit. In addition to these strains, an isolate deposited in the Culture Collection of the University of Göteborg (Sweden) was found to be biochemically related to the manure strains. The major end products of metabolism included acetate and succinate but not butyrate. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that all these isolates were closely related to each other and formed a hitherto unknown lineage within the clostridial rRNA XIVa cluster of organisms. On the basis of phylogenetic, biochemical and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Robinsoniella peoriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Robinsoniella peoriensis is PPC31T (=CCUG 48729T =NRRL B-23985T).

Comparative analysis of the diversity of aerobic spore-forming bacteria in raw milk from organic and conventional dairy farms.

Bacterial contamination of raw milk can originate from different sources: air, milking equipment, feed, soil, faeces and grass. It is hypothesized that differences in feeding and housing strategies of cows may influence the microbial quality of milk. This assumption was investigated through comparison of the aerobic spore-forming flora in milk from organic and conventional dairy farms. Laboratory pasteurized milk samples from five conventional and five organic dairy farms, sampled in late summer/autumn and in winter, were plated on a standard medium and two differential media, one screening for phospholipolytic and the other for proteolytic activity of bacteria. Almost 930 isolates were obtained of which 898 could be screened via fatty acid methyl ester analysis. Representative isolates were further analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and (GTG)(5)-PCR. The majority of aerobic spore-formers in milk belonged to the genus Bacillus and showed at least 97% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with type strains of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis and with type strains of species belonging to the Bacillus cereus group. About 7% of all isolates may belong to possibly new spore-forming taxa. Although the overall diversity of aerobic spore-forming bacteria in milk from organic vs. conventional dairy farms was highly similar, some differences between both were observed: (i) a relatively higher number of thermotolerant organisms in milk from conventional dairy farms compared to organic farms (41.2% vs. 25.9%), and (ii) a relatively higher number of B. cereus group organisms in milk from organic (81.3%) and Ureibacillus thermosphaericus in milk from conventional (85.7%) dairy farms. One of these differences, the higher occurrence of B. cereus group organisms in milk from organic dairy farms, may be linked to differences in housing strategy between the two types of dairy farming. However, no plausible clarification was found for the relatively higher number of thermotolerant organisms and the higher occurrence of U. thermosphaericus in milk from conventional dairy farms. Possibly this is due to differences in feeding strategy but no decisive indications were found to support this assumption.

Clostridiisalibacter paucivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from olive mill wastewater.

A moderately halophilic, strictly anaerobic bacterium, designated 37HS60(T), was isolated from an olive mill wastewater in southern Morocco (Marrakesh). The cells were straight, motile and stained Gram-positive, forming spherical and terminal spores and with an atypical thick and stratified multilayered cell wall. Major fatty acid components were iso-C17:1omega10c or anteiso-C17:1omega3c (19.3%), C14:0 (14.3%), C16:1omega7c (9.9%), C16:1omega7c DMA (8.5%) and C16:0 (7.6%). Strain 37HS60(T) grew from 20 to 50 degrees C with an optimum at 40-45 degrees C, and growth was observed from pH 5.5 to 8.5 with an optimum of 6.8. The salinity range for growth was 10-100 g NaCl l(-1) with an optimum at 50 g NaCl l(-1). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 37HS60(T) fell within the evolutionary radiation enclosed by cluster XII of the Clostridium subphylum. Strain 37HS60(T) exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 92.0% with Caloranaerobacter azorensis and 90.6% with Clostridium purinilyticum. Moreover, 37HS60(T) did not grow on basal medium with hexose or pentose sugars as carbon and energy sources. Pyruvate, fumarate and succinate were the best substrates for 37HS60(T) growth with 1.0 g yeast extract l(-1). The DNA G+C content was 33.0 mol%. Due to its phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, isolate 37HS60(T) is proposed as a novel species of a new genus, Clostridiisalibacter paucivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is 37HS60(T) (=JCM 14354(T)=CCUG 53849(T)).

A strain of Lactobacillus plantarum affects segmented filamentous bacteria in the intestine of immunosuppressed mice.

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are present in the gastrointestinal tract of mice from weaning until the maturation of the immune system. Probiotic bacteria also have an effect on host immunity. To study the relationships established between these bacteria, samples from a mouse model fed with Lactobacillus plantarum under different immunological conditions were analysed. SFB populations were measured by a newly designed group-specific quantitative PCR assay. The results confirmed the presence of the probiotic in the intestine and an expansion of SFB in the ileum of immunocompromised mice, which was abolished upon administration of L. plantarum, an effect not described to date.

Temperature, soluble solids and pH effect on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris viability in lemon juice concentrate.

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a thermoacidophilic, non-pathogenic, spore-forming bacterium detected in spoiled commercial pasteurized fruit juice. Apple, white grape and tomato are particularly susceptible. A. acidoterrestris spores are resistant to lemon juice pasteurization (2 min at 82 degrees C), and they can germinate and grow causing spoilage. This contamination is characterized by a medicinal or disinfectant smell attributed to guaiacol (o-dihydroxybenzene) production and other taint chemicals. The aim of this work was to study the influence of temperature (82, 86, 92 and 95 degrees C), total soluble solids (SS) (6.20, 9.8, 50 and 68 degrees Brix) and pH (2.28, 2.45, 2.80, 3.25, 3.5) on decimal reduction time (D) of the A. acidoterrestris in clarified and non-clarified concentrated lemon juice. Once D-value was determined, the resistance of A. acidoterrestris at the assayed temperatures was confirmed. SS and pH influence spore viability, because spore resistance increases with higher SS (50 degrees Brix 22 min 82 degrees C-68 degrees Brix 28 min 82 degrees C) and pH values (pH 2.28, 17 min-pH 4.00, 22 min). Bacterial growth was lower in clarified lemon juice, 26 min at 82 degrees C, than in non-clarified lemon juice, 51 min at 82 degrees C. Temperature was the parameter that had the greatest influence on the D value.

Cohnella laeviribosi sp. nov., isolated from a volcanic pond.

A novel thermophilic and endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterium capable of assimilating and isomerizing l-ribose was isolated from a volcanic area in Likupang, Indonesia. The isolate, RI-39(T), was able to grow at high temperatures (37-60 degrees C); optimum growth was observed at pH 6.5 and 45 degrees C. The strain contained MK-7 (87 %) as the main respiratory quinone and had a DNA G+C content of 51 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were iso-C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0) and the predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate represents an evolutionary lineage that is distinct from those of other Cohnella species. Based on morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, it is proposed that strain RI-39(T) represents a novel species, Cohnella laeviribosi sp. nov. The type strain is RI-39(T) (=KCTC 3987(T) =KCCM 10653P(T) =CCUG 52217(T)).

Cohnella panacarvi sp. nov., a xylanolytic bacterium isolated from ginseng cultivating soil.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, nonmotile, endospore-forming bacterium, designated Gsoil 349T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain Gsoil 349T belongs to the family Paenibacillaceae, and the sequence showed closest similarity with Cohnella thermotolerans DSM 17683T (94.1%) and Cohnella hongkongensis DSM 17642T (93.6%). The strain showed less than 91.3% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Paenibacillus species. In addition, the presence of MK-7 as the major menaquinone and anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0), and C(16:0) as major fatty acids suggested its affiliation to the genus Cohnella. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 53.4 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 349T should be treated as a novel species within the genus Cohnella for which the name Cohnella panacarvi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 349T (=KCTC 13060T = DSM 18696T).

Paenibacillus humicus sp. nov., isolated from poultry litter compost.

Two bacterial strains, PC-142 and PC-147(T), isolated from poultry litter compost, were characterized with respect to their phenetic and phylogenetic characteristics. The isolates were endospore-forming rods that were reddish in colour after Gram staining. They were catalase- and oxidase-positive, were able to degrade starch and gelatin and grew at 15-40 degrees C and pH 5.5-10.0. The predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0), the major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7, the cell-wall peptidoglycan was of the A1gamma type and the G+C content of the DNA was 58 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phenetic characterization indicated that these organisms belong to the genus Paenibacillus, with Paenibacillus pasadenensis SAFN-007(T) as the closest phylogenetic neighbour (97.5 %). Strains PC-142, PC-147(T) and P. pasadenensis SAFN-007(T) represent a novel lineage within the genus Paenibacillus, characterized by a high DNA G+C content (58-63 mol%). The low levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to other taxa with validly published names and the identification of distinctive phenetic features in the two isolates indicate that strains PC-142 and PC-147(T) represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus humicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PC-147(T) (=DSM 18784(T) =NBRC 102415(T) =LMG 23886(T)).

Paenibacillus ginsengarvi sp. nov., isolated from soil from ginseng cultivation.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, designated Gsoil 139(T), was isolated from soil from a ginseng field in Pocheon Province, South Korea, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Gsoil 139(T) belongs to the family Paenibacillaceae. The greatest sequence similarity was found with respect to the type strains of Paenibacillus hodogayensis (95.6 %) and Paenibacillus koleovorans (93.8 %). The strain showed less than 93.8 % sequence similarity with respect to other species of the genus Paenibacillus. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 48.1 mol%. In addition, the presence of MK-7 as the major menaquinone and C(15 : 0) anteiso as a major fatty acid (27.9 %) justifies its affiliation to the genus Paenibacillus. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 139(T) represents a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus ginsengarvi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 139(T) (=KCTC 13059(T) =DSM 18677(T)).