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An anaerobic acidophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon, designated strain 345-15(T), was isolated from an acidic hot spring of Kamchatka (Russia). Cells of strain 345-15(T) were regular or irregular cocci, 1-2 mum in diameter, with flagella. Strain 345-15(T) grew optimally at 80-85 degrees C and pH 3.5-4.0 and fermented a wide range of carbohydrates, including polysaccharides. Acetate, ethanol and lactate were the fermentation products. Growth was stimulated by elemental sulfur and thiosulfate, which were reduced to hydrogen sulfide. The G+C content of the DNA was 54.5 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 345-15(T) belonged to the genus Acidilobus. The level of DNA-DNA hybridization between strain 345-15(T) and Acidilobus aceticus 1904(T) was 61 %. Thus, strain 345-15(T) was considered as representing a novel species of the genus Acidilobus, with the name Acidilobus saccharovorans sp. nov. (type strain, 345-15(T)=DSM 16705(T)=VKM B-2471(T)), which shared the main morphological and physiological properties of the genus but differed by the presence of flagella and the spectrum of substrates utilized. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genus Acidilobus, with its species Acidilobus aceticus, Acidilobus saccharovorans sp. nov. and 'Acidilobus sulfurireducens', and the genus Caldisphaera, represented by Caldisphaera lagunensis and 'Caldisphaera draconis', formed a separate cluster that adjoins the cluster formed by the species of the order Desulfurococcales. Members of the Acidilobus-Caldisphaera cluster are thermophilic, organotrophic anaerobic cocci that can be distinguished from all species of the order Desulfurococcales on the basis of acidophily. Based on these considerations, we propose a new family, Acidilobaceae fam. nov., to accommodate the subcluster of hyperthermophiles represented by the genus Acidilobus, a new family, Caldisphaeraceae fam. nov., for the subcluster of extreme thermophiles represented by the genus Caldisphaera, and a new order, Acidilobales ord. nov., to accommodate the two new families.

A novel obligately organotrophic, facultatively microaerophilic spirillum, designated strain D-427(T), was isolated from sulfidic sludge of a municipal wastewater-treatment plant. Cells were Gram-negative, large and highly motile due to bipolar tufts of flagella covered with mucous sheaths. Coccoid cells were sometimes formed. Strain D-427(T) grew optimally at pH 7.5-7.8 and 28 degrees C in the presence of 2 % O(2) in the gas phase. The organism showed oxidase and very low catalase activity. The isolate grew chemo-organotrophically with a limited number of organic acids as substrates. The DNA G+C content was 38.0 mol% (T(m)). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed strain D-427(T) in the genus Spirillum within the class Betaproteobacteria. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain D-427(T) and Spirillum volutans ATCC 19554(T), the type strain of the single species of the genus, was 98.6 %. The low level of DNA-DNA hybridization and different phenotypic properties indicate that strain D-427(T) is clearly distinguishable from Spirillum volutans. No strain of S. volutans is available from any established culture collection or from the authors who described this species. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data and the fact that the type and single species of the genus Spirillum cannot be included in any scientific study, since the type strain has been lost, we propose to assign strain D-427(T) as a novel species of the genus Spirillum, Spirillum winogradskyi sp. nov. (type strain D-427(T) =DSM 12756(T) =VKM B-2518(T)), and we request that the Judicial Commission place the name Spirillum volutans on the list of rejected names if a suitable type strain is not found or a neotype is not proposed within 2 years following the publication of this paper. An emended description of the genus Spirillum is also provided.

A strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive, psychrotolerant, endospore-forming bacterium (strain A121(T)) was isolated from a permafrost sample collected in the Canadian High Arctic. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain A121(T) showed its affiliation with the group of psychrophilic and psychrotolerant members of cluster I of the genus Clostridium, Clostridium bowmanii DSM 14206(T) being the closest relative (sequence similarity 98.5 %). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain A121(T) and the type strains of phylogenetically related species ranged from 33 to 52 %. Strain A121(T) grew in PY broth at temperatures between 4 and 28 degrees C (optimum 15-20 degrees C), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 6.5-7.2) and in NaCl concentrations of 0-10.0 % (optimum 0-2.0 %). The strain utilized a narrow range of carbohydrates as sources of carbon and energy, including glucose, fructose, trehalose, maltose and starch; it also hydrolysed gelatin. Predominant fatty acids were C(16 : 1) cis9, C(16 : 1) cis9 DMA, C(16 : 0) and C(14 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 31.5 mol%. On the basis of its overall genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain A121(T) is classified within a novel species of the genus Clostridium, Clostridium tagluense sp. nov. The type strain is A121(T) (=VKM B-2369(T) =DSM 17763(T)).

A novel halotolerant psychrotrophic gram-negative bacterium, strain 2pS, was isolated from lenses of water brine in Arctic permafrost (cryopeg). The optimal growth of the new strain was observed at 16-18 degrees C; the maximal and minimal growth temperatures were 37 degrees C and -2 degrees C, respectively. The pH growth range was 5.8 to 8.5 (optimum 6.5-7.5) and the range of medium salinity was 0 to 100 g/l (optimum 3-8 g/l NaCl). The strain 2pS did not produce acid from carbohydrates and utilized acetate, yeast extract, pyruvate, glutarate, fumarate, caproate, heptanoate, butyrate, malate, DL-lactate, citrate, L-proline, L-tyrosine, butanol, and dulcitol as the sole carbon and energy sources. The major fatty acids of the cell wall at optimal growth temperature were C18:1(omega 7) and C18:1(omega 9). The G + C DNA content was 46.0 mol.%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the studied strain was the closest (97% similarity) to Psychrobacter nivimaris DSM 16093T, a halotolerant psychrotrophic bacterium isolated from the Arctic sea's ice. Genotypic and phenotypic differences of the new bacterium from closely related species lead to the conclusion that strain 2pS belongs to a novel species of the genus Psychrobacter: Psychrobacter muriicola sp. nov.

The precise taxonomic position of Roseivirga seohaensis strain SW-152T, formerly [Marinicola] seohaensis, was established. On the basis of data from DNA-DNA reassociation experiments and phenotypic analysis, it is proposed that this strain should be considered as a later heterotypic synonym of Roseivirga ehrenbergii KMM 6017T Nedashkovskaya et al. 2005. Emended descriptions for Roseivirga ehrenbergii and for the genus Roseivirga are also given.

Five cultures of moderately thermophilic spore-forming acidophilic chemolithotrophic bacteria were isolated from the zones of spontaneous heating of pyrrhotine-containing pyrite-arsenopyrite gold-arsenic sulfide ores in an operating open pit (strains B1, B2, B3, OFO, and SSO). Analysis of the chromosomal DNA structure revealed differences between these cultures at the strain level (apart from B3 and SSO, which had identical restriction profiles). All the strains had a similar G + C DNA molar content (47.4-48.3%). The level of DNA reassociation was 85 to 95%. The similarity between the DNA of the type strain Sulfobacillus sibiricus N1 isolated from arsenopyrite ore concentrate and that of these strains (83-93%) indicates that they belong to the same species. The strains had similar values of pH and temperature optimal for growth on ferrous iron (1.6-2.0 and 45-55 degrees C, respectively). They were mixotrophs; Fe(II), S0, and sulfide minerals along with organic compounds were used as energy sources and electron donors. However, the kinetic parameters of growth and substrate oxidation varied from strain to strain. Genetic variety of the strains from diverse ecosystems and environments is possibly the result of the different rates of microevolution processes.

Two marine, heterotrophic, aerobic, pigmented and gliding bacteria, isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomy study. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains KMM 6032T and KMM 6047 formed a distinct branch within the genus Arenibacter, a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The level of sequence similarity between the novel isolates and members of the genus Arenibacter was 94.5-98.9%. The DNA G+C content was 39-40 mol%. The dominant fatty acids were iso-C15:1, iso-C15:0, C15:0, C15:1omega6c, iso-C15:0 3-OH, iso-C17:1omega9c, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1omega7c). The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments supported by phenotypic data indicated that the isolates represent a novel species within the genus Arenibacter, for which the name Arenibacter echinorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6032T (=KCTC 22013T=LMG 22574T).

In the course of the search for N2O-utilizing microorganisms, two novel strains of haloalkaliphilic denitrifying bacteria, Z-7009 and AIR-2, were isolated from soda lakes of Mongolia and Kenya. These microorganisms are true alkaliphiles and grow in the pH ranges of 8.0-10.5 and 7.5-10.6, respectively. They are facultative anaerobes with an oxidative type of metabolism, able to utilize a wide range of organic substrates and reduce nitrate, nitrous oxide, and, to a lesser extent, nitrite to gaseous nitrogen. They can oxidize sulfide in the presence of acetate as the carbon source and nitrous oxide (strain Z-7009) or nitrate (strain AIR-2) as the electron acceptor. The strains require Na+ ions. They grow at medium mineralization levels of 0.16-2.2 M Na+ (Z-7009) and 0.04-2.2 M Na+ (AIR-2). The G+C contents of the DNA of strains Z-7009 and AIR-2 are 67.9 and 65.5 mol %, respectively. According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA-DNA hybridization, as well as on the basis of physiological properties, the strains were classified as new species of the genus Halomonas: Halomonas mongoliensis, with the type strain Z-7009T (=DSM 17332, =VKM B2353), and Halomonas kenyensis, with the type strain AIR-2T (=DSM 17331, =VKM B2354).

Strain 39E(T), originally characterized as Clostridium thermohydrosulfuricum strain 39E and later renamed as Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus strain 39E, shows less than 97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strain of the type species of the genus Thermoanaerobacter, T. ethanolicus strain JW 200(T). On the basis of a polyphasic analysis that included DNA-DNA hybridization studies with the subspecies of Thermoanaerobacter brockii, its closest phylogenetic relatives, strain 39E(T) represents a novel species of the genus Thermoanaerobacter, for which the name Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 39E(T) (=DSM 2355(T)=ATCC 33223(T)).

The anoxygenic phototrophic bacterial community of the brackish meromictic Lake Shira (Khakassia) was investigated in August 2001, July 2002, and February-March 2003. In all the periods of investigation, the prevailing microorganisms were purple sulfur bacteria similar to Lamprocystis purpurea in morphology and pigment composition. Their highest number (3 x 10(5) cells/ml) was recorded in July 2002 at the depth of 15 m. According to 16S rRNA gene analysis, the strain of purple sulfur bacteria isolated in 2001 and designated ShAm01 exhibited 98.6% similarity to the type strain of Thiocapsa roseopersicina and 94.4-97.1% similarity to the type strains of Tca. pendens, Tca. litoralis, and Tea. rosea. The minor microorganisms of the anoxygenic phototrophic bacterial community within the period of investigation were nonsulfur purple bacteria phylogenetically close to Rhodovulum strictum (98.3% similarity, strain ShRb01), Ahrensia kielensis (of 93.9% similarity, strain ShRb02), Rhodomicrobium vannieli (of 99.7% similarity, strain ShRmc01), and green sulfur bacteria, phylogenetically close to Chlorobium limicola (of 98.7% similarity, strain ShCl03).

Seasonal studies of the anoxygenic phototrophic bacterial community of the water column of the saline eutrophic meromictic Lake Shunet (Khakassia) were performed in 2002 (June) and 2003 (February-March and August). From the redox zone down, the lake water was of dark green color. Green sulfur bacteria predominated in every season. The maximum number of green sulfur bacteria was 10(7) cells/ml in summer and 10(6) cells/ml in winter. A multi-syringe stratification sampler was applied for the study of the fine vertical distribution of phototrophs in August 2003; the sampling was performed every five centimeters. A five-centimeter-thick pink-colored water layer inhabited by purple sulfur bacteria was shown to be located above the layer of green bacteria. The species composition and ratio of purple bacterial species depended on the sampling depth and on the season. In summer, the number of purple sulfur bacteria in the layer of pink water was 1.6 x 10(8) cells/ml. Their number in winter was 3 x 10(5) cells/ml. In the upper oxygen-containing layer of the chemocline the cells of purple nonsulfur bacteria were detected in summer. The maximum number of nonsulfur purple bacteria, 5 x 10(2) cells/ml, was recorded in August 2003. According to the results of the phylogenetic analysis of pure cultures of the isolated phototrophic bacteria, which were based on 16S rDNA sequencing, green sulfur bacteria were close to Prosthecochloris vibrioformis, purple sulfur bacteria, to Thiocapsa and Halochromatium species, and purple nonsulfur bacteria, to Rhodovulum euryhalinum and Pinkicyclus mahoneyensis.

Unexpectedly high culturable diversity of moderately and extremely halophilic obligately chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) was discovered in the sediments of various hypersaline habitats, including chloride-sulfate lakes in Mongolia, Russia and Ukraine, a sea saltern in Slovenia and a deep-sea salt brine from the Mediterranean. Six different groups of halophilic SOB, including four new genera, all belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria, were found. Two groups of moderately halophilic strictly aerobic SOB dominated at 2 M NaCl, including representatives of the genus Halothiobacillus (in fully aerobic conditions) and Thiomicrospira (in micro-oxic conditions). Under denitrifying conditions at 2 M NaCl, a group of moderately halophilic and facultatively anaerobic SOB was selected, capable of complete denitrification of nitrate. The group represents a new genus with closest relatives among as yet undescribed marine thiodenitrifying isolates. With thiocyanate as a substrate, an enrichment culture at 2 M NaCl yielded a pure culture of moderately halophilic SOB capable of aerobic growth with thiocyanate and thiosulfate at up to 4 M NaCl. Furthermore, this bacterium also grew anaerobically using nitrite as electron acceptor. It formed a new lineage distantly related to the genus Thiomicrospira. Enrichments at 4 M NaCl resulted in the domination of two different, previously unknown, groups of extremely halophilic SOB. Under oxic conditions, they were represented by strictly aerobic spiral-shaped bacteria, related to the Ectothiorhodospiraceae, while under denitrifying conditions a group of facultatively anaerobic nitrate-reducing bacteria with long rod-shaped cells was selected, distantly related to the genus Acidithiobacillus.

Similarities in phylogeny and metabolic properties between the type species of two monospecific genera of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans and Thermoterrabacterium ferrireducens, and analysis of their recently available 16S rRNA gene sequences warranted clarification of their taxonomic positions. We have determined that the value of DNA-DNA hybridization between the type strains is 53 %. Additional physiological studies revealed that C. hydrogenoformans Z-2901(T) is capable of Fe(III) reduction with H(2) as an electron donor and ferrihydrite as an electron acceptor. T. ferrireducens JW/AS-Y7(T) is able to grow and utilize CO with ferrihydrite as an electron acceptor without hydrogen or acetate production. We therefore reclassify Thermoterrabacterium ferrireducens as Carboxydothermus ferrireducens comb. nov. (type strain JW/AS-Y7(T)=DSM 11255(T)=VKM B-2392(T)). The description of the genus Carboxydothermus is emended to include such important physiological properties as growth on organic compounds and capacity for Fe(III) reduction.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, heterotrophic, non-pigmented, dimorphic prosthecate bacterium was isolated from tundra wetland soil and designated strain Z-0023(T). Cells of this strain had a dimorphic life cycle and developed a non-adhesive stalk at a site not coincident with the centre of the cell pole, a characteristic typical of representatives of the genus Asticcacaulis. A highly distinctive feature of cells of strain Z-0023(T) was the presence of a conical, bell-shaped sheath when grown at low temperature. This prosthecate bacterium was a psychrotolerant, moderately acidophilic organism capable of growth between 4 and 28 degrees Celsius (optimum 15-20 degrees Celsius) and between pH 4.5 and 8.0 (optimum 5.6-6.0). The major phospholipid fatty acid was 18 : 1omega7c and the major phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerols. The G+C content of the DNA was 60.4 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Z-0023(T) was most closely related to Asticcacaulis biprosthecium (98 % similarity), Asticcacaulis taihuensis (98 %) and Asticcacaulis excentricus (95 %). However, low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness to these organisms and a number of distinctive features of the tundra wetland isolate indicated that it represented a novel species of the genus Asticcacaulis, for which the name Asticcacaulis benevestitus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z-0023(T) (=DSM 16100(T)=ATCC BAA-896(T)).

Two orange-pigmented Gram-positive, aerobic bacteria were isolated from enrichment culture during degradation of brown alga Fucus evanescens thalluses. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to study the cell morphology. The non-contact mode imaging revealed unusual irregular coccoid shape of cells, possessing a single flagellum. Bacteria produced carotenoid pigments, were chemo-organotrophic, alkaliphilic and halo-tolerant growing well on nutrient media containing up to 15% NaCl. Growth temperature ranged from 5 to 45 degrees C. The DNA base compositions were 48 mol% G + C and the level of DNA similarity of two strains was conspecific (98%). A comparative phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain KMM 3738 tightly clustered with recently described Planococcus maritimus (99.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). DNA-DNA hybridisation experiments revealed that DNA from the KMM 3738 showed 12-15% and 16-35% of genetic relatedness with the DNA of type strains of the genera Planomicrobium and Planococcus, respectively, and 87% with DNA from Planococcus maritimus, indicating that new isolates belong to the later species.

Four new isolates were obtained from denitrifying enrichments with various electron donors using sediment samples from hypersaline soda lakes. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization results, they were all identified as members of the Gammaproteobacteria closely associated with the Alkalispirillum-Alkalilimnicola group. Two isolates were obtained from samples enriched with nitrate as electron acceptor and H2 or polysulfide as electron donors, and another two strains were obtained with N2O as the electron acceptor and sulfide or acetate as electron donors. All four new isolates, together with the type strains of the genera Alkalispirillum and Alkalilimnicola originally described as obligate aerobes, were capable of anaerobic growth with acetate using either nitrate or N2O as electron acceptors. Their denitrification pathway, however, was disrupted at the level of nitrite. RuBisCO form I gene was detected and sequenced in the new isolates and in Alkalilimnicola halodurans but not in Alkalispirillum mobile. These data, together with the evidence of Oremland et al. (Appl Environ Microbiol 68:4795-4802, 2002) on the potential of Alkalilimnicola sp. MLHE-1 for autotrophic growth with arsenite as electron donor and nitrate as electron acceptor, demonstrate much higher metabolic diversity of this specific group of haloalkaliphilic Gammaproteobacteria than was originally anticipated.

Strain Z-0024, a psychrotolerant aerobic heterotrophic representative of the prosthecate bacteria of the genus Caulobacter, was isolated from a methanotrophic enrichment obtained from Russian polar tundra soil. The cells of the new isolate are vibrios (0.5-0.6 x 1.3-1.8 microm) with a polar stalk. The organism grows in a temperature range from 5 to 36 degrees C, with an optimum at 20 degrees C. The pH range for growth is from 4.5 to 7.0 with an optimum at pH 6.0. Strain Z-0024 utilizes a wide range of organic compounds: sugars, amino acids, volatile fatty acids, and primary alcohols. It tolerates a NaCl concentration in the medium of up to 15 g/l. The G + C content of DNA is 66.6 mol %. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain Z-0024 belongs to the cluster of Caulobacter species, showing a 98.8-99.2% sequence similarity to them. DNA-DNA hybridization revealed a low level of homology (24%) between strain Z-0024 and C. vibrioides ATCC 15252. The new isolate is described as Caulobacter sp. Z-0024.

The taxonomic position of three novel marine, heterotrophic, pigmented and agarolytic bacteria with gliding motility, isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, was investigated. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains KMM 6166, KMM 6172T and KMM 6173 are members of the phylum Bacteroidetes; their nearest neighbours were Belliella baltica and Hongiella marincola (similarities of 94.5 and 93.6 %, respectively). The DNA G+C content of the strains was 44-45 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were C15 : 0 iso, C16:1omega5c, C17:1 iso omega9c, C17:0 iso 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16:1omega7c and/or C15:0 iso 2-OH). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. Results of molecular experiments supported by phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data enabled the isolates to be classified as representatives of a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Echinicola pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Echinicola pacifica is the type species of the genus Echinicola, and its type strain is KMM 6172T (=KCTC 12368T=LMG 23350T).

A sponge-associated strain, KMM 7019T, was investigated in a polyphasic taxonomic study. The bacterium was strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented, motile by gliding and oxidase-, catalase-, beta-galactosidase- and alkaline phosphatase-positive. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KMM 7019T is closely related to members of the genus Salegentibacter, namely Salegentibacter holothuriorum, Salegentibacter mishustinae and Salegentibacter salegens (97.7-98 % sequence similarities). The DNA-DNA relatedness between the strain studied and Salegentibacter species ranged from 27 to 31 %, clearly demonstrating that KMM 7019T belongs to a novel species of the genus Salegentibacter, for which the name Salegentibacter agarivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 7019T (=KCTC 12560T = LMG 23205T).

A novel anaerobic, thermophilic, CO-utilizing bacterium, strain KarT, was isolated from a hot spring of Karymskoe Lake, Kamchatka Peninsula. The cells of the novel isolate were Gram-positive, spore-forming, short rods. The bacterium grew chemolithoautotrophically on CO, producing equimolar quantities of H2 and CO2 (according to the equation CO + H2O --> CO2 + H2), and in the absence of CO, under N2 in the gas phase, chemoorganoheterotrophically with yeast extract, sucrose or pyruvate. Growth was observed in the temperature range 50-70 degrees C, with an optimum at 60 degrees C, and in the pH range 6.2-8.0, with an optimum at pH 6.8. The micro-organism did not grow on solid media; it was able to grow only in semi-solid medium containing 0.5 % agar. The generation time under optimal conditions for chemolithoautotrophic growth was 1 h. The G+C content of the DNA was 46.5+/-1 mol%. Growth was completely inhibited by penicillin, novobiocin, streptomycin, kanamycin and neomycin. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate should be assigned to the genus Carboxydocella. On the basis of the results of DNA-DNA hybridization and morphological and physiological analyses, strain KarT represents a novel species of the genus Carboxydocella, for which the name Carboxydocella sporoproducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KarT (=DSM 16521T = VKM B-2358T).

The new mesophilic, chemolithoautotrophic, moderately halophilic, sulfate-reducing bacterium strain 11-6 could grow at a NaCl concentration in the medium of 30-230 g/l, with an optimum at 80-100 g/l. Cells were vibrios motile at the early stages of growth. Lactate, pyruvate, malate, fumarate, succinate, propionate, butyrate, crotonate, ethanol, alanine, formate, and H2 + CO2 were used in sulfate reduction. Butyrate was degraded completely, without acetate accumulation. In butyrate-grown cells, a high activity of CO dehydrogenase was detected. Additional growth factors were not required. Autotrophic growth occurred, in the presence of sulfate, on H2 + CO2 or formate without other electron donors. Fermentation of pyruvate and fumarate was possible in the absence of sulfate. Apart from sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur were able to serve as electron acceptors. The optimal growth temperature was 37 degrees C; the optimum pH was 7.2. Desulfoviridin was not detected. Menaquinone MK-7 was present. The DNA G+C content was 55.2 mol %. Phylogenetically, the bacterium represented a separate branch within the cluster formed by representatives of the family Desulfohalobiaceae in the subclass Deltaproteobacteria. The bacterium was assigned to a new genus and species, Desulfovermiculus halophilus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is 11-6T (= VKM B-2364), isolated from the highly mineralized formation water of an oil field.

New microaerophilic sulfur-oxidizing spirilla were isolated from hydrogen sulfide sludge of wastewater treatment plants. Strains D-427 and D-430 have spiral cells that are highly motile due to bipolar flagellum bundles covered with mucous sheaths. Under a phase-contrast microscope, these bundles are visible as single polar flagella. Spheroplasts are formed in the stationary growth phase. Both strains are obligate organotrophs able to oxidize a number of reduced sulfur compounds. The oxidation of sulfide and polysulfide leads to the formation of intracellular globules of elemental sulfur; thiosulfate oxidation results in tetrathionate accumulation in the medium. The cells are unable to utilize reduced sulfur compounds in the energy metabolism; their oxidation is caused by a chemical interaction with H2O2 and O2, synthesized in the electron transport chain. Both strains are obligate microaerophiles with an optimal oxygen concentration in the gas phase of 2 and 0.8% for strains D-427 and D-430, respectively. The strains utilize a limited number of organic acids as growth substrates, mainly tricarboxylic-acid-cycle intermediates. The DNA G+C content is 38.0 mol % (T(m)) for strain D-427 and 38.9 mol % for strain D-430. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that the new isolates of sulfur spirilla are the most closely related to Spirillum volutans, the type species of the genus (97.4% similarity). They were assigned to the genus Spirillum within the class Beta-proteobacteria as two new species, S. winogradskii sp. nov. (D-427T = DSM 12756T) and S. kriegii sp. nov. (B-430T = BKM B-2372T). The emended description of the genus Spirillum is provided.

Five Gram-negative, motile, spiral-shaped strains were isolated from a sulfide spring (D-412T), active sludge of wastewater (D-419T, D-420, D-424) and industrial wastewater (D-416). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolates belong to the family Comamonadaceae, within the class Betaproteobacteria, but fall into a distinct cluster. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, a new genus, Giesbergeria gen. nov., is proposed, including five species. The type species of the genus is Giesbergeria voronezhensis sp. nov. (type strain D-419T = DSM 12825T = CIP 107340T = VKM B-2350T) and other novel members of the genus are Giesbergeria kuznetsovii sp. nov. (type strain D-412T = DSM 12827T = VKM B-2352T), Giesbergeria giesbergeri comb. nov. (basonym Aquaspirillum giesbergeri), Giesbergeria sinuosa comb. nov. (basonym Aquaspirillum sinuosum) and Giesbergeria anulus comb. nov. (basonym Aquaspirillum anulus). Using the same criteria, isolate D-416 (= DSM 12826) was identified as a strain of [Aquaspirillum] metamorphum. Strain D-416, the type strain of [A.] metamorphum and the type strain of [Aquaspirillum] psychrophilum form a distinct cluster within the family Comamonadaceae (97-97.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and share phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties. Therefore, it is proposed that these strains are reclassified as members of a new genus, Simplicispira gen. nov., as Simplicispira metamorpha comb. nov. (the type species) and Simplicispira psychrophila comb. nov., respectively.

A yellow-pigmented, non-motile, Gram-negative bacterium, designated Fg 69T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected in Chazhma Bay (Sea of Japan). The novel organism grew at 10-35 degrees C, was neutrophilic and required 3-10% NaCl for optimal growth. Strain Fg 69T was able to degrade starch and to hydrolyse gelatin and Tween 80 weakly but not casein or agar. Predominant cellular fatty acids comprised n-C15 and n-C16 branched-chain and straight-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including iso-C(15:0) (5%), anteiso-C(15:0) (11%), C(15:0) (9%), iso-C(15:1) (5%), iso-C(16:0) (8%), C(16:0) (5%) and C(16:1)omega7 (5%) and iso- and anteiso-branched 2-OH and 3-OH C(15:0) to C(17:0) fatty acids (26 % in total). The G + C content of the DNA was 40.4 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence data indicated that strain Fg 69T belonged to the genus Salegentibacter but was distinct from recognized Salegentibacter species (94-95 % sequence similarity). Based on these results, a novel species, Salegentibacter flavus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is Fg 69T (= KMM 6000T = CIP 107843T).

A moderately thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium (strain SB91T) was isolated from a freshwater hot spring at Barguzin Valley, Buryatiya, Russia. Cells of strain SB91T were straight to slightly curved rods, 0.5-0.6 microm in diameter and 3.0-7.0 mum in length. Formation of endospores was not observed. The temperature range for growth was 26-62 degrees C, with an optimum at 50 degrees C. The pH range for growth was 5.5-9.5, with an optimum at pH 7.5-8.0. The substrates utilized by strain SB91T in the presence of 9,10-anthraquinone 2,6-disulfonate included peptone, tryptone, Casamino acids, yeast extract, beef extract, casein hydrolysate, alanine plus glycine, alanine plus proline, L-valine and n-propanol. Carbohydrates were not utilized. Strain SB91T reduced amorphous Fe(III) oxide, Fe(III) citrate, Fe(III) EDTA or Fe(III) nitrilotriacetate with peptone, L-valine or n-propanol as an electron donor. Strain SB91T reduced 9,10-anthraquinone 2,6-disulfonate, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, fumarate and selenite. Strain SB91T survived after exposure to gamma-radiation at a dose of 5.4 kGy. The G+C content of the DNA of strain SB91T was 33 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolated organism belonged to cluster XII of the clostridia. On the basis of its physiological properties and the results of phylogenetic analyses, it is proposed that strain SB91T represents the sole species of a novel genus, Tepidimicrobium; the name Tepidimicrobium ferriphilum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with strain SB91T (=DSM 16624T=VKM B-2348T) as the type strain.

This paper reports on the study of acid tolerance of lactic acid bacteria as a property of cells, determining their ability to divide efficiently and retain viability under conditions of increased nutrient medium acidity during bacterial growth. The bacteria of the strain TV2, isolated from a self-soured curd, similar to the bacteria of the strain STE05 (Russian National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms), were assigned to the species Lactococcus lactis according to their G+C composition (36.7-36.5 mol %) and the high level of DNA-DNA hybridization (93%). However, these strains were essentially different in the number and size of the plasmids and the chromosomal DNA restriction fragments, as well as in the sensitivity to phages of lactic acid bacteria. It was found that bacteria of the strain TV2 were stable (i.e., they divided efficiently at a pH as low as 5.3) and tolerant to the lactic acid that they produced while growing (i.e., they retained viability at pH 4.4). Bacteria of the strain STE05 lacked acid tolerance (at pH below 6.5, growth was retarded, and pH 5.0 was the lowest value at which the cells remained viable). The acid tolerance and phage resistance of TV2 bacteria are likely to characterize their higher adaptive capacity in comparison with STE05 bacteria. Acid tolerance is inherited in a stable manner and retained by the segregants of TV2 strain obtained in the course of long-term storage of the bacteria. Specifically, the strains TV29, TV13, and TV 229, which displayed this property, had altered physiological and biochemical characteristics (accumulation of biomass and fermentation of lactose) in spite of their genetic identity to the original strain (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of chromosomal DNA restriction fragments).

The taxonomic position of three novel, marine, heterotrophic, aerobic, pigmented, gliding bacteria, isolated from the green alga Ulva fenestrata in the Sea of Japan, was determined. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strains belong to the genus Arenibacter. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments supported by phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data showed that the isolates represent a novel species of the genus Arenibacter, for which the name Arenibacter palladensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3961T (= LMG 21972T = CIP 108849T).

Two marine, heterotrophic, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, agarolytic bacterial strains that are motile by means of gliding were isolated from the green alga Acrosiphonia sonderi and from sea water. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed an affiliation between the strains studied and the genus Formosa, a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The level of sequence similarity between strain KMM 3901T and Formosa algae KMM 3553T was 99.1 %. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic analysis indicated that the strains represent a novel species of the genus Formosa, for which the name Formosa agariphila sp. nov. is proposed, with KMM 3901T (= KCTC 12365T = LMG 23005T = DSM 15362T) as the type strain. The description of the genus Formosa is emended with newly obtained data.

A novel heterotrophic, yellow pigmented, aerobic, Gram-negative, nonmotile, oxidase- and catalase-positive bacterium KMM 3,938(T) was isolated from sea water collected in the Sea of Japan, Russia. The strain grew at mesophilic temperature range, and required the presence of NaCl for growth. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain KMM 3,938(T) is a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The predominant fatty acids were C13:0 iso, C14:0 iso, C15:0 iso, C15:0, C15:1Delta6, 3OH-C15:0:3 iso, and 3OH-C15:0. The G + C content of the DNA of KMM 3938(T) was 32.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic, and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel bacterium was assigned to the genus Polaribacter as Polaribacter butkevichii sp. nov. The type strain is KMM 3938(T )(= KCTC 12100(T) = CCUG 48005(T)).

The taxonomic position of a novel marine, heterotrophic, aerobic, pigmented, non-motile bacterium isolated from sea water was determined. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain KMM 6143T is a member of the genus Cyclobacterium. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments supported by phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data showed that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Cyclobacterium, for which the name Cyclobacterium amurskyense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6143T (=KCTC 12363T=LMG 23026T).

Among the strains used as starters for making sour milk products on the territory of the CIS, the bacteria Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans are frequently found. In this work, we studied a new collection of lactic acid enterococci and also obtained more complete data on the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA genes in some strains studied earlier and found that most strains had certain distinctions in their 16S rRNA genes as compared with the E. durans and E. faecium genes available in the NCBI database. Based on these data, it is suggested that the strains of lactic acid enterococci represent new, earlier unknown taxa of enterococci that use milk as an ecological niche.

A facultative aerobic, moderately thermophilic, spore forming bacterium, strain JW/VK-KG4 was isolated from an enrichment culture obtained from the Geyser valley, a geo-thermally heated environment located in the Kamchatka peninsula (Far East region of Russia). The cells were rod shaped, motile, peritrichous flagellated stained Gram positive and had a Gram positive type cell wall. Aerobically, the strain utilized a range of carbohydrates including glucose, fructose, trehalose, proteinuous substrates, and pectin as well. Anaerobically, only carbohydrates are utilized. When growing on carbohydrates, the strain required yeast extract and vitamin B(12). Anaerobically, glucose was fermented to lactate as main product and acetate, formate, ethanol as minor products. Aerobically, even in well-aerated cultures (agitated at 500 rpm), glucose oxidation was incomplete and lactate and acetate were found in culture supernatants as by-products. Optimal growth of the isolate was observed at pH(25 C) 6.8-8.5 and 60 degrees C. The doubling times on glucose at optimal growth conditions were 34 min (aerobically) and 40 min (anaerobically). The G+C content was 42.3 mol% as determined by T(m) assay. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated an affiliation of strain JW/VK-KG4 with Anoxybacillus species. Based on its morphology, physiology, phylogenetic relationship and its low DNA-DNA homology with validly published species of Anoxybacillus, it is proposed that strain JW/VK-KG4 represents a new species in the genus Anoxybacillus as A. kamchatkensis sp. nov. The type strain for the novel species is JW/VK-KG4(T) (=DSM 14988, =ATCC BAA-549). The GenBank accession number for the 16S rDNA sequence is AF510985.

One whitish and four pinkish strains of Gram-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacteria were isolated from sea-water and sediment samples collected in Chazhma Bay (Sea of Japan, Pacific Ocean). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these strains belonged to the 'Alphaproteobacteria', having highest sequence similarity of about 94-97% with species of the genus Loktanella. None of the strains degraded gelatin, casein, chitin, agar, DNA or starch and they had limited ability to utilize carbon sources. The four pinkish strains, Fg36(T), Fg1, Fg116 and Fg117, degraded Tween 80. Sea-water strain R10SW5(T) grew at 3-6% NaCl and a temperature range of 8-35 degrees C, whilst strains Fg36(T), Fg1, Fg116 and Fg117 grew at NaCl concentrations of 1-12% and a temperature range of 4-35 degrees C. Phosphatidylglycerol (58/79%), diphosphatidylglycerol (11/6%) and phosphatidylcholine (28/22%) were the major phospholipids. The predominant fatty acids were 16:0 (12.2/8.6%) and 18:1omega7 (76.6/68.4%). The DNA G+C content of strain R10SW5(T) was 59.1 mol% and those of the four pinkish strains ranged from 60.5 to 61.8 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic investigation, two novel species, Loktanella agnita sp. nov. and Loktanella rosea sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are R10SW5(T) (=KMM 3788(T)=CIP 107883(T)) and Fg36(T) (=KMM 6003(T)=CIP 107851(T)=LMG 22534(T)), respectively.

A moderately thermophilic, anaerobic, chemolithoheterotrophic, sulfate-reducing bacterium, strain CO-1-SRB(T), was isolated from sludge from an anaerobic bioreactor treating paper mill wastewater. Cells were Gram-positive, motile, spore-forming rods. The temperature range for growth was 30-68 degrees C, with an optimum at 55 degrees C. The NaCl concentration range for growth was 0-17 g l(-1); there was no change in growth rate until the NaCl concentration reached 8 g l(-1). The pH range for growth was 6.0-8.0, with an optimum of 6.8-7.2. The bacterium could grow with 100% CO in the gas phase. With sulfate, CO was converted to H(2) and CO(2) and part of the H(2) was used for sulfate reduction; without sulfate, CO was completely converted to H(2) and CO(2). With sulfate, strain CO-1-SRB(T) utilized H(2)/CO(2), pyruvate, glucose, fructose, maltose, lactate, serine, alanine, ethanol and glycerol. The strain fermented pyruvate, lactate, glucose and fructose. Yeast extract was necessary for growth. Sulfate, thiosulfate and sulfite were used as electron acceptors, whereas elemental sulfur and nitrate were not. A phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences placed strain CO-1-SRB(T) in the genus Desulfotomaculum, closely resembling Desulfotomaculum nigrificans DSM 574(T) and Desulfotomaculum sp. RHT-3 (99 and 100% similarity, respectively). However, the latter strains were completely inhibited above 20 and 50% CO in the gas phase, respectively, and were unable to ferment CO, lactate or glucose in the absence of sulfate. DNA-DNA hybridization of strain CO-1-SRB(T) with D. nigrificans and Desulfotomaculum sp. RHT-3 showed 53 and 60% relatedness, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic and physiological features, it is suggested that strain CO-1-SRB(T) represents a novel species within the genus Desulfotomaculum, for which the name Desulfotomaculum carboxydivorans is proposed. This is the first description of a sulfate-reducing micro-organism that is capable of growth under an atmosphere of pure CO with and without sulfate. The type strain is CO-1-SRB(T) (=DSM 14880(T)=VKM B-2319(T)).

A novel strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, pink-pigmented, non-motile, Gram-negative, oxidase-, catalase-, beta-galactosidase- and alkaline phosphatase-positive marine bacterium, designated strain KMM 6058(T), was isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius and studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The G+C content of the DNA of the isolate was 41.3 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were i15:1, i15:0, a15:0 and i17:0 3-OH. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KMM 6058(T) formed a monophyletic clade with Roseivirga ehrenbergii, with 99% similarity. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel bacterium should be assigned to the genus Roseivirga as Roseivirga echinicomitans sp. nov. The type strain is KMM 6058(T) (=KCTC 12370(T)=LMG 22587(T)).

The first anaerobic alkaliphilic cellulolytic microorganism has been isolated from the Verkhnee Beloe soda lake (Buryatiya, Russia) with pH 10.2 and a salt content of up to 24 g/l. Five strains were characterized. Strain Z-7026 was chosen as the type strain. The cells of the isolate are gram-positive spore-forming rods. A mucous external capsule is produced. The microorganism is obligately alkaliphilic, growing in a pH range of 8.0-10.2, with an optimum at pH 9.0. Sodium ions and, in carbonate-buffered media, sodium chloride are obligately required. The microorganism is slightly halophilic; it grows at 0.017-0.4 M Na+ with an optimum at 0.15-0.3 M Na+. The metabolism is fermentative and strictly anaerobic. Cellulose, cellobiose, and xylan can be used as growth substrates. Plant and algal debris can be fermented. Lactate, ethanol, acetate, hydrogen, and traces of formate are produced during cellulose or cellobiose fermentation. Yeast extract or vitamins are required for anabolic purposes. The microorganism fixes dinitrogen and is nitrogenase-positive. It is tolerant to up to 48 mM Na2S. Growth is not inhibited by kanamycin or neomycin. Chloramphenicol, streptomycin, penicillin, ampicillin, ampiox, bacillin, novobiocin, and bacitracin suppress growth. The DNA G+C content is 29.9 mol %. According to the nucleotide sequence of its 16S rRNA gene, strain Z-7026 is phylogenetically close to the neutrophilic cellulolytic bacteria Clostridium thermocellum (95.5%), C. aldrichii (94.9%), and Acetivibrio cellulolyticus (94.8%). It is proposed as a new species: Clostridium alkalicellum sp. nov.

This study focused on the physiological, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic characteristics of two thermophilic spore-forming sulfate-reducing bacterial strains, 435T and 781, of which the former has previously been assigned to the subspecies Desulfotomaculum nigrificans subsp. salinus. Both strains reduced sulfate with the resulting production of H2S on media supplemented with H2 + CO2, formate, lactate, pyruvate, malate, fumarate, succinate, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, butyrate, valerate, or palmitate. Lactate oxidation resulted in acetate accumulation; butyrate was oxidized completely, with acetate as an intermediate product. Growth on acetate was slow and weak. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur, but not nitrate, served as electron acceptors for growth with lactate. The bacteria performed dismutation of thiosulfate to sulfate and hydrogen sulfide. In the absence of sulfate, pyruvate but not lactate was fermented. Cytochromes of b and c types were present. The temperature and pH optima for both strains were 60-65 degrees C and pH 7.0. Bacteria grew at 0 to 4.5-6.0% NaCl in the medium, with the optimum being at 0.5-1.0%. Phylogenetic analysis based on a comparison of incomplete 16S rRNA sequences revealed that both strains belonged to the C cluster of the genus Desulfotomaculum, exhibiting 95.5-98.3% homology with the previously described species. The level of DNA-DNA hybridization of strains 435T and 781 with each other was 97%, while that with closely related species D. kuznetsovii 17T was 51-52%. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic properties of strains 435T and 781, it is suggested that they be assigned to a new species: Desulfotomaculum salinum sp. nov., comb. nov. (type strain 435T = VKM B 1492T).

Phenotypic characteristics and results of PCR tests for the presence of species-specific genes indicate that a number of strains of thermophilic lactic acid bacteria previously considered as belonging to Streptococcus thermophilus are actually closely related to enterococci. In the present study, partial (over 500 nucleotides) sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from 12 strains of thermophilic lactic acid bacteria used as starters for manufacturing sour milk products on the territory of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has been performed. According to the results of the sequencing, seven of the strains have been classified with Enterococcus durans. The earlier classification (based on PCR tests) of two of the strains as S. thermophilus and three of the strains as E. faecium has been confirmed. The data obtained demonstrate that the enterococci E. durans and E. faecium are widely used as thermophilic starters for manufacturing sour milk products on the territory of the CIS.

A gram-positive, motile, strict anaerobic spore-forming bacterium was isolated from the over-cooled brine in the permafrost. The optimal temperature for isolate growth was 5-6 degrees C at pH 6.8-7.2. The bacterium was growing on the medium rich in saccharides and disaccharides. Out of polysaccharides tested, only xylan sustained the growth. Fermentation of the hexoses led to the formation of acetate, butyrate, lactate, H2,CO2 and some formate and ethanol. Cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids of the cell wall were C(14:0) and C(16:1c9). The content of G-C pairs in DNA was 31.4 mol%. As phylogenetic analysis has shown, it is closely linked to the members of cluster 1 of Clostridium. It differs from the other species of the genus by the substrates necessary for the growth, products forming as a result of the fermentation and content of the fatty acids in the cell wall. Thus, it was suggested to describe this strain as a new species named Clostridium algoriphilum. Type strain 14D1 was deposited into the Russian Collection of the Microorganisms VKM B-2271T and German Collection of the Microorganisms DSM 16153T .

A novel alkaliphilic, sulfate-reducing bacterium was isolated from a syntrophic acetate-decomposing community enriched from samples of the soda lake Khadin, Tuva, Russia; the isolate was designated strain Z-7999(T). Cells of strain Z-7999(T) were vibrioid, Gram-negative, 0.4-0.5 x 1.0-2.5 microm and motile by means of a polar flagellum. The temperature range for growth was 15-40 degrees C, with an optimum of 35-38 degrees C. The pH range for growth was 6.7-10.3, with an optimum of pH 8.0-9.0. The NaCl concentration range for growth was 1-80 g l(-1). The novel isolate was obligately anaerobic, was alkaliphilic with a broad pH range and had an obligate requirement for carbonate ions in the growth medium. In the presence of sulfate as electron acceptor, it grew with hydrogen, formate and lactate. It was not able to ferment sugars, organic acids, amino acids or peptides. During growth on formate, strain Z-7999(T) reduced sulfite and thiosulfate to sulfide. It was able to grow lithoheterotrophically with sulfate and formate when acetate was added as a carbon source for biosynthesis of biomass. The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain Z-7999(T) was 56.5 mol%. Results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses revealed that strain Z-7999(T) was part of the delta-Proteobacteria and clustered with other members of the genus Desulfonatronum (similarity values of 95.2 and 95.3 % to Desulfonatronum lacustre and Desulfonatronum thiodismutans, respectively). DNA-DNA hybridization with D. lacustre was 37 %. On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic data, it is proposed that strain Z-7999(T) (= DSM 16749(T) = VKM B-2329(T)) should be placed in the genus Desulfonatronum as a representative of a novel species, Desulfonatronum cooperativum sp. nov.

On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic characteristics and analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, a novel species belonging to the genus Alteromonas is described. A non-pigmented, motile, Gram-negative bacterium designated R10SW13(T) was isolated from sea water samples collected in Chazhma Bay (Sea of Japan, Pacific Ocean). The novel organism mainly grew between 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C, was neutrophilic and slightly halophilic, tolerating up to 10 % NaCl. Strain R10SW13(T) was haemolytic and was able to degrade starch and Tween 80 and to degrade gelatin and agar weakly, but did not degrade casein. Phosphatidylethanolamine (44.3 +/- 0.9 %) and phosphatidylglycerol (55.7 +/ -0.9 %) were the predominant phospholipids. The major fatty acids formed were typical for the genus Alteromonas, including 16 : 0, 16 : 1omega-7 and 18 : 1omega-7. The G + C content of the DNA was 43.4 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed 38-53 % binding with the DNAs of type strains of phylogenetically related species of the genus Alteromonas, namely: Alteromonas macleodii, Alteromonas marina, Alteromonas stellipolaris, Alteromonas litorea, 'Alteromonas macleodii subsp. fijiensis' and 'Alteromonas infernus'. Based on these results, a novel species, Alteromonas addita sp. nov., is proposed, with strain R10SW13(T) (=KMM 3600(T) = KCTC 12195(T) = LMG 22532(T)) as the type strain.

The distribution and species diversity of aerobic organotrophic bacteria in the Dagan high-temperature oil field (China), which is exploited via flooding, have been studied. Twenty-two strains of the most characteristic thermophilic and mesophilic aerobic organotrophic bacteria have been isolated from the oil stratum. It has been found that, in a laboratory, the mesophilic and thermophilic isolates grow in the temperature, pH, and salinity ranges characteristic of the injection well near-bottom zones or of the oil stratum, respectively, and assimilate a wide range of hydrocarbons, fatty acids, lower alcohols, and crude oil, thus exhibiting adaptation to the environment. Using comparative phylogenetic 16S rRNA analysis, the taxonomic affiliation of the isolates has been established. The aerobic microbial community includes gram-positive bacteria with a high and low G+C content of DNA, and gamma and beta subclasses of Proteobacteria. The thermophilic bacteria belong to the genera Geobacillus and Thermoactinomyces, and the mesophilic strains belong to the genera Bacillus, Micrococcus, Cellulomonas, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter. The microbial community of the oil stratum is dominated by known species of the genus Geobacillus (G. subterraneus, G. stearothermophilus, and G. thermoglucosidasius) and a novel species "Geobacillus jurassicus." A number of novel thermophilic oil-oxidizing bacilli have been isolated.

Two Pseudomonas-like yellow-orange-pigmented non-fluorescent denitrifying strains KMM 235 and KMM 1447T were isolated from marine ascidian specimens and investigated by a polyphasic approach to clarify their taxonomic status. On the basis of 16S rDNA gene sequence data the new isolates clustered with the Pseudomonas stutzeri species group with sequence similarities of >98%. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and biochemical characterization showed genetic and phenotypic distinction between strains KMM 235 and KMM 1447T and from the other validly described Pseudomonas species. Strain KMM 235 was found to be closely related to the type strain of Pseudomonas stutzeri in their phenotypic and genetic characteristics and represented, probably, a new P. stutzeri genomovar. It is proposed that strain KMM 1447T be classified as a new species of the genus Pseudomonas, Pseudomonas xanthomarina sp. nov., with the type strain KMM 1447T (=JCM 12468T=NRIC 0617T=CCUG 46543T).

A slightly creamy, melanogenic, gram-negative, aerobic bacterium was isolated from seawater sample collected in the Karadag Natural Reserve of the Eastern Crimea, the Black Sea. The novel organism was chemoorganotrophic, had no obligate requirement in NaCl, tolerated to 12% NaCl, grew between 10 and 45 degrees C, was slightly alkaliphilic, and was not able to degrade starch, gelatin, agar, and Tween 80. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based analyses of the new organism revealed that Oceanimonas doudoroffii ATCC 27123T, Oceanimonas baumanii ATCC 700832T, and Oceanisphaera litoralis DSM 15406T were the closest relatives (similarity around 97%-96%). The G + C content of the DNA of the strain 31-13T was 55.5mol%. Phosphatidylethanolamine (49.0%), phosphatidylglycerol (41.8%), and diphosphatidylglycerol (9.2%) were the predominant phospholipids. The major fatty acids were 16:0 (24.1%), 16:1omega7 (40.3%), and 18:1omega7 (29.2%). On the basis of the significant differences demonstrated in the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is suggested that the bacterium be classified as a novel species; the name Oceanimonas smirnovii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 31-13T (UCM B-11076T = LMG 22147T = ATCC BAA-899T).

Four yellow-pigmented, gram-negative, chemoorganotrophic aerobic bacteria were isolated from starfish Stellaster equestris (strains 022-2-10T, 022-2-9, and 022-2-12) and soft coral (unidentified species) (strain 022-4-7) collected in the South China Sea. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based analyses of the new organisms revealed that Erythrobacter spp. were the closest relatives and shared the highest similarity of 98.7% to E. citreus, 98.5% to E. flavus, 97.9% to E. litoralis and 97.6% to E. longus. The novel organisms were tolerant to 3-6% NaCl, grew between 10 degrees C and 40 degrees C, and were not able to degrade gelatin, casein, and agar, while degraded Tween 80. Two strains (022-2-9 and 022-2-12) could weakly degrade starch. All strains produced a large pool of carotenoids and did not have Bacteriochlorophyll a. Phosphatidylethanolamine (30-36%), phosphatidylglycerol (39-46%), and phosphatidylcholine (21-27%) were the predominant phospholipids. Sphingoglycolipid was not detected. The major fatty acids were 16:0 (6-11%), 16:1omega7 (12-15%), and 18:1omega7 (46-49%). The two-hydroxy fatty acids, 13:0-2OH, 14:0-2OH, 15:0-2OH, 16:0-2OH were also present. The G + C content of the DNAs ranged from 61 to 62 mol%. The level of DNA similarity among four strains was conspecific and ranged from 94% to 98%. Even though new strains and other species of the genus had rather high level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed only 33-39% of binding with the DNA of the type strains. On the basis of these results and the significant differences demonstrated in the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is suggested that the new organisms be classified as a novel species; the name Erythrobacter vulgaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 022-2-10T (= KMM 3465T = CIP 107841T).

A bacterial strain, designated KMM 6049T, was isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius inhabiting the Sea of Japan. The bacterium studied was strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile, Gram-negative and oxidase-, catalase-, beta-galactosidase- and alkaline phosphatase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain KMM 3524T was closely related to Salegentibacter holothuriorum and Salegentibacter salegens (sharing 97.7 and 98 % sequence similarity, respectively). DNA-DNA relatedness levels between strains KMM 6049T and S. holothuriorum KMM 3524T and S. salegens DSM 5424T were 24 and 45 %, respectively, indicating that KMM 6049T belongs to a novel species of the genus Salegentibacter, for which the name Salegentibacter mishustinae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6049T (=KCTC 12263T=LMG 22584T=NBRC 100592T).

A novel marine bacterium isolated from the soft coral Paragorgia arborea in the Sea of Okhotsk was studied by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain, KMM 6029T, was strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile by gliding, Gram-negative and oxidase-, catalase- and alkaline phosphatase-positive. From results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain KMM 6029T occupied a distinct lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed 95.5 % similarity to its closest relative, Formosa algae. The DNA G+C content was 37.6 mol%. Major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids were i15 : 0, a15 : 0, i15 : 1, a15 : 1, i16 : 1, i16 : 0, i16 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (i15 : 0 2-OH and/or 16 : 1omega7c). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics the novel bacterium has been assigned to Bizionia gen. nov., as Bizionia paragorgiae gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is KMM 6029T (=KCTC 12304T=LMG 22571T).

A novel marine bacterium, strain KMM 6050T, was isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, which inhabits the Sea of Japan. The strain studied was strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, yellow-orange-pigmented, motile by gliding, Gram-negative and oxidase-, catalase-, beta-galactosidase- and alkaline phosphatase-positive. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain KMM 6050T occupies a distinct lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae and is most closely related to the species Mesonia algae and Salegentibacter salegens (sequence similarity of 92.5-92.6 %). The DNA G+C content of KMM 6050T was 39.6 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids were i15 : 0, a15 : 0, 15 : 0, i16 : 1, i16 : 0, i16 : 0 3-OH and i17 : 0 3-OH. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel bacterium has been assigned to the genus Gramella gen. nov., as Gramella echinicola sp. nov. The type strain is KMM 6050T (=KCTC 12278T=NBRC 100593T=LMG 22585T).

Three novel heterotrophic, Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented, aerobic, gliding, oxidase- and catalase-positive bacteria were isolated from algae collected in the Gulf of Peter the Great, Sea of Japan. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strains studied represented members of the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed 93.5-93.8 % similarity with their closest relative, Psychroserpens burtonensis. The DNA G+C content of the strains was 34-37 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 1), iso-C(16 : 0)-3OH and iso-C(17 : 0)-3OH. On the basis of their phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, the newly described bacteria have been assigned to the new genus Winogradskyella gen. nov., as Winogradskyella thalassocola sp. nov. (type strain, KMM 3907T=KCTC 12221T=LMG 22492T=DSM 15363T), Winogradskyella epiphytica sp. nov. (type strain, KMM 3906T=KCTC 12220T=LMG 22491T=CCUG 47091T) and Winogradskyella eximia sp. nov. (type strain, KMM 3944T (=KCTC 12219T=LMG 22474T).