A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as HZG-20, was isolated from a tidal flat in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities between strain HZG-20 and RR4-56, NNCM2, P31 and X9-2-2 were 98.9, 91.7, 91.0 and 91.0%, respectively. Colonies of strain HZG-20 were 1.4 mm in diameter, milky white, round, smooth and convex after cultivating on marine agar at 30 °C for 48 h. Cells were catalase and oxidase-negative. Growth occurred at 15-37 ℃ (optimum, 28 ℃), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-8.0) and with 0-8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1-3%). It contained Menaquinone-8 (H) as the sole respiratory quinone, and C (11.8-13.6%), C c (6.8-13.3%) and C anteiso (10.9-27.7%) as the major cellular fatty acids. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified phosphoglycolipid, two unidentified glycolipids (GL1-GL2) and three unidentified lipids (L1-L3). The genome of strain HZG-20 was 3 835 886 bp in length, comprised 3746 protein-coding genes, with DNA G+C content of 67.1 mol%. The phylogenetic and phylogenomic trees indicated that strain HZG-20 formed an independent and stable clade with RR4-56. However, the average nucleotide identity, DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain HZG-20 and RR4-56, NNCM2, P31 and X9-2-2 were 81.6, 71.1, 68.7 and 69.5%; 23.0, 18.5, 17.9 and 17.5%; and 78.2, 56.8, 56.5 and 61.9%, respectively, together with distinct chemotaxonomic features, indicating strain HZG-20 should not be assigned to known genera. As a result, a novel species of a novel genus within the family , designated as gen. nov., sp. nov., was proposed. The type strain is HZG-20 (MCCC 1K08468=KCTC 82692).

is widely used as a starter culture in the production of cheese, yoghurt and various cultured dairy products, which holds considerable significance in both research and practical applications within the food industry. Throughout history, the taxonomy of has undergone several adjustments and revisions. In 1984, based on the result of DNA-DNA hybridization, was reclassified as subsp. . Subsequently, in 1991, Schleifer . proposed the revival of the species also relying on a DNA-DNA hybridization study conducted under stringent conditions. At present, both the taxonomic names, and subsp. , are considered as synonyms and adopted within scientific research, regulatory oversight and relevant industries, leading to a certain degree of confusion. A precise and scientifically accurate taxonomic status is imperative as a foundational prerequisite for a strain evaluation and its application in food manufacture and regulatory contexts. In this study, we utilized whole-genome sequencing to evaluate the genetic relationship of and . At the gene level, phylogenetic analyses were conducted on 52 . strains and 63 . strains based on sequences of both the 16S rRNA gene and the housekeeping gene, . Additionally, a core-gene phylogeny was inferred using the whole-genome sequencing data of 216 strains within the genus. This analysis facilitated an exhaustive evaluation of the evolutionary interconnections among the studied strains. At the genetic level, average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) were used to verify the species identity of and . The results of phylogenetic analysis, ANI and dDDH all collectively confirm that and are distinct species. These research results provide sufficient scientific evidence to support the definitive scientific and rational application of the name of .

Five pink-pigmented bacterial strains, isolated from human skin and classified within the genus , were examined. Among them, four were identified as , while strain OT10 was deemed to be a potential novel species. Strain OT10 exhibited characteristics, such as Gram-stain-negative, oxidase positive, motile, strictly aerobic and rod shaped. The cells had multiple flagella at one end, arranged in a lophotrichous pattern. The predominant cellular fatty acids in OT10 were C ω7c/C ω6c and C 2OH; ubiquinone (Q)-10 was identified as the sole quinone. Major polar lipids included phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and two aminolipids. The G+C content of the genome was determined to be 72.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities revealed that strain OT10 is closely related to subsp. ATCC 49956 (97.7%), subsp. ATCC BAA-691 (97.7%) and ATCC BAA-692 (97.5%). For the comparative genomic analyses, whole-genome sequencing was also conducted for strain OT10. Considering the chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phenotypic features, as well as the low average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values compared to its closest phylogenomic neighbours, OT10 is proposed to be a novel species named sp. nov., with OT10 designated as the type strain (=KCTC 92087 =JCM 34968).

Small, obligately anaerobic strains 13CB8C, 13CB11C, 13CB18C and 13GAM1G were isolated from a faecal sample in a patient with Parkinson's disease with a history of duodenal resection. After conducting a comprehensive polyphasic taxonomic analysis including genomic analysis, we propose the establishment of one new genus and four new species. The novel bacteria are sp. nov. (type strain JCM 36128 = DSM 116810), sp. nov. (type strain JCM 36129 = DSM 116947), sp. nov. (type strain JCM 36130 = DSM 116866) and gen. nov. sp. nov. (type strain JCM 36131 = DSM 116982), respectively.

Two Gram-stain-negative cocci anaerobes were isolated from pig faeces and designated as strains YH-vei2232 and YH-vei2233. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolates were most closely related to KCTC 5967, with 97.0% similarity. Analysis of housekeeping gene sequences () revealed the strain formed a sub-cluster within the genus . The average nucleotide identities between the two isolates and the most closely related strains within genus were <75.0%. The major fatty acids were Summed Feature 8 and C c. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained -diaminopimelic acid. The major metabolic end products of isolates were propionic and acetic acids. The genomic DNA G+C contents of both strains were 40.1 mol%. The chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic properties of YH-vei2232 (=KCTC 25748=NBRC 116427) and YH-vei2233 (=KCTC 25749=NBRC 116428) suggest that they represent a novel species of the genus , for which the name sp. nov. is proposed.

Two novel yeast strains, NYNU 236247 and NYNU 23523, were isolated from the leaves of Hance, collected in the Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed the closest relatives of the strains are three described species: , and . The novel species differed from the type strains of these three species by 12 to 22 nucleotide substitutions and 1 gap (~2.0-4.0%) in the D1/D2 domain and by 78 to 100 nucleotide mismatches (~12.0-16%) in the ITS region. Physiologically, the novel species differs from and in its ability to assimilate dl-lactate and melezitose and from by its inability to assimilate melibiose, soluble starch and ethanol. sp. nov. is proposed for those two strains, with the holotype designated as GDMCC 2.483 (MycoBank MB 857072).

A crude oil aggregation-forming, strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped, motile and mesophilic bacterium, named strain SH18-2, was isolated from marine sediment near Sado Island in the Sea of Japan. The temperature, salinity and pH ranges of this strain for the growth were 15-40 °C (optimum 35 °C), 0.5-6.0% NaCl (w/v; optimum 2.0%) and pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum 7.5), respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this strain belongs to the genus . It was most closely related to A-1 (97.02% homology). The draft genome size was 5616089 bp, with a G+C content of 29.7 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values determined using the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator and the average nucleotide identity between this strain and A-1 were 20.30 and 78.24%, respectively. Whole-organism hydrolysates of strain SH18-2 contained diaminopimelic acid; the major fatty acid was C and the polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid and three unidentified polar lipids. From the results of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, SH18-2 (=NBRC 116030=DSM 115762) is the type strain and represents a novel species of the genus , and the name sp. nov. is proposed.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out on strain T9W2-O, isolated from the roots of the aquatic plant . This isolate is rod-shaped, forms yellow/orange pigmented colonies and produces the pigment flexirubin. Nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence homology related the strain to , with 98.8 and 98.5% similarity to and , respectively. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization with the closest phylogenetic neighbour of T9W2-O showed differences at the species level, further confirmed by differences in several physiological characteristics. The main fatty acids are iso C, iso C, iso C 3-OH and summed feature 4 (iso-C 2-OH and/or C). DNA G+C content is 37.2 mol%. MK-6 is the only menaquinone found, and phosphatidylethanolamine is the dominant polar lipid. Based on the results obtained, this bacterium is assigned to the genus as a new species with the name sp. nov., type strain T9W2-O (=NRRL B-65715 =DSM 118061).

A novel bacterium, designated 19SA41, was isolated from the air of the Icelandic volcanic island Surtsey. Cells of strain 19SA41 are Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile rods and form pale yellow-pigmented colonies. The strain grows at 4-30 °C (optimum, 22 °C), at pH 6-10 (optimum, pH 7.5) and with 0-4% NaCl (optimum, 0.5%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that 19SA41 belonged to the genus and is most similar to DSM 19743, with a sequence similarity of 96.52%. The new strain contained iso-C (22%) and summed feature 3 (Cω6c/Cω7c) (20%) as the predominant fatty acids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (100%). The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and several uncharacterized amino lipids, glycolipids and lipids. The genome of the new strain was 4.01 Mbp, and its G+C content was 33.2 mol%. Based on characterization and comparative results, using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, we propose that the new isolate represents a novel species of the genus with the name sp. nov. The type strain is ISCaR-07695 (=DSM 116640 =UBOOC-M-3567).

A thorough polyphasic taxonomic study, integrating genome-based taxonomic approaches, was carried out to characterize the RB5 strain isolated from root nodules of growing on the coastal dunes of Bousfer Beach (Oran, Algeria). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain RB5 had the highest similarity to LMG27940 (98.94%) and IzPS32d (98.73%). Phylogenetic studies, including both 16S rRNA gene sequence and multilocus sequence analysis using 16S , and housekeeping genes, positioned RB5 in a distinct branch alongside its closest relative, LMG27940. Phylogenomic analysis using the Bac120 marker set and Type (Strain) Genome Server confirmed the unique position of RB5 and its close relationship with LMG27940. Similarly, genomic comparisons using average nucleotide identity based on blast (ANIb) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) revealed values of 92.85 and 59.3%, respectively, when compared with its closest relative, LMG27940. Both values fall below the established species delimitation thresholds of 95-96% for ANIb and 70% for dDDH, providing strong genomic evidence that strain RB5 represents a novel species. Further average nucleotide identity comparisons with unclassified spp. (384 genomes) and metagenomic-derived genomes from the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB) showed values between 84.27 and 89.2%, indicating that strain RB5 belongs to a unique evolutionary line. The genome of RB5, with a size of 6 311 310 bp and a G+C content of 60%, harbours several key genes associated with plant growth-promoting traits, making it a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture. Phenotypically, RB5 strain is an aerobic, rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterium that is motile with a single polar flagellum. It grows under a wide range of temperature (4-42 °C) and pH (5-10) conditions and tolerates up to 6% (w/v) NaCl. The main cellular fatty acid composition of RB5 includes C, C cyclo and the summed features 3 consisting of C ω7c/ ω6c. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genome comparison analyses, strain RB5 was identified as a novel species of the genus , for which the name sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RB5 (=DSM 117471=LMG 33633=CIP 112482).

A Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped strain, designated SPB1-3, was isolated from tree bark. This strain exhibited heterofermentative production of dl-lactic acid from glucose. Optimal growth was observed at 25-40 °C, pH 4.0-7.0, and in the presence of 3% (w/v) NaCl. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained lysine and aspartic acid. The predominant fatty acids identified were C and the Summed feature 7 (C 7c/C c and/or C 6c/7c/19cy). The polar lipid profile included phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, along with two unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified amino lipids and two unidentified lipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences positioned strain SPB1-3 within the genus , showing a close relation to NBRC 111893 (99.86%) and CCTCC M 2011381 (98.65%). The whole genome of strain SPB1-3 comprised 1 932 998 base pairs with 1955 coding genes and a DNA G+C content of 37.8%. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization between strain SPB1-3 and closely related type strains ranged from 19.50 to 27.20%. The average nucleotide identity ranged from 84.21 to 85.56%, and the average amino acid identity ranged from 57.25 to 85.99%, both falling below the established thresholds for species delineation. Strain SPB1-3 was clearly distinguishable from related species based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and whole genome analysis. Additionally, the strain exhibited radical scavenging activity at 66.92% and demonstrated 82.32% inhibition in the tyrosinase inhibitory assay. These findings support the classification of strain SPB1-3 as a novel species within the genus , for which the name sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SPB1-3 (=JCM 35081=TISTR 10005).

A clinical isolate, R131, was isolated from the peritoneal swab of a patient who suffered from ruptured appendicitis with abscess and gangrene in Hong Kong in 2018. Cells are facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, Gram-positive coccobacilli. Colonies were small, grey, semi-translucent, low convex and alpha-haemolytic. The bacterium grew on blood agar but not on Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) and Mueller-Hinton agars. It was negative for catalase, oxidase, indole and aesculin hydrolysis. The initial identification attempts via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing yielded inconclusive results. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that R131 shared >99% nucleotide identity with certain uncultured bacteria. In this retrospective investigation, a complete genome of R131 was constructed, disclosing a DNA G+C content of 64%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacterium was mostly related to WB03_NA08, which was first described in 2020. However, its 16S rRNA gene shared only 94.15% nucleotide identity with that of WB03_NA08. Notably, the orthoANI between R131 and WB03_NA08 was 67.81%. A pan-genome analysis encompassing R131 and 4 genomes showed 986 core gene clusters shared with the species, along with 601 cloud genes. The average nucleotide identity comparisons within the pan-genome analysis ranged from 59.78 to 62.51% between R131 and the other species. Correspondingly, the dDDH values ranged from 19.20 to 22.30%, while the POCP values spanned from 57.48 to 60.94%. Therefore, a novel species, sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is R131 (=JCM 36615=LMG 33627).

Three novel strains within the genus (29887, 29892 and 29896) were isolated from healthy pigs during routine veterinary physical exams. All three strains were non-motile and non-spore-forming Gram-positive cocci. The complete genome of each strain was attained, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Comparison of the genomes of 29887, 29892 and 29896 to the genomes of other strains revealed digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between 21.2% and 53.9% and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between 70.00% and 94.44%. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that each strain, 29896 ( sp. nov.), 29887 ( sp. nov.) and 29892 ( subsp. subsp. nov.), may represent a novel species within the genus , while ANI analysis indicated that strains 29896 ( sp. nov.) and 29887 ( sp. nov.) represent novel species within the genus and 29892 ( subsp. subsp. nov.) represents a novel subspecies of 29887 ( sp. nov.). Based upon the combined data presented in this study, two novel species, sp. nov. (type strain, 29896=NRRL B-65677=NCTC 14941) and sp. nov. (type strain, 29887=NRRL B-65675=NCTC 14939) are proposed, and one novel subspecies, subsp. subsp. nov. (type strain, 29892=NRRL B-65676=NCTC 14940) is proposed.

Marine biofilms were newly revealed as a bank of hidden microbial diversity and functional potential. In this study, a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, oval and non-motile bacterium, designated LMIT008, was isolated from the biofilm of concrete breakwater structures located in the coastal area of Shantou, PR China. Strain LMIT008 was found to grow at salinities of 1-7% NaCl, at pH 5-8 and at temperatures 10-40 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain LMIT008 belonged to the genus and was closely related to the type strains KCTC23555 (96.03%) and SHC-163 (95.31%). The draft genome size of the strain LMIT008 was 3.67 Mbp, and the genomic DNA G+C content was 69.83 mol%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain LMIT008 and the closely related type strain KCTC23555 was 74.82%. The predominant cellular fatty acids were identified as summed feature 8 (C 7/C 6) and C, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. Ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) is the sole respiratory quinone. Further, genomic analysis of strain LMIT008 showed that the strain harbours abundant genes associated with biofilm formation and environmental adaption, explaining the potential strategies for living on concrete breakwater structures. Based on the morphological, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characterization, the strain LMIT008 was considered to represent a novel species in the genus of , for which the name sp. nov. was proposed, with LMIT008 (=MCCC 1K08854=KCTC 8321) as the type strain.

A novel strain of the genus , named He02, was isolated from flowers of L. in a survey for lactic acid bacteria associated with wild and cultivated plants in the metropolitan area of Valencia, Spain. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a similarity of 99% to DSM 23037=Ryu1-2. Strain He02 cells are Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative non-motile rods, usually occurring in pairs. Cells show a pale yellow pigmentation when pelleted. As , strain He02 utilized a narrow range of carbohydrates, namely, glucose and fructose, homofermentatively. However, genome sequencing and estimation of average nucleotide identity (ANI) revealed an ANI value of 87.44 with DSM 23037, the only strain sequenced to date. A value of 30.5% for digital DNA-DNA hybridization was estimated with the Type Strain Genome Server tool when He02 was compared with strain DSM 23037. These results indicate that strain He02 constitutes a novel species, for which the name sp. nov. with He02 (=CECT 31001=DSM 117324=CCM 9395) as type strain is proposed.

In 1997, the name (Blackall 1989) comb. nov. was proposed by Chun on transfer of the species to the newly established genus as its type species. The appearance of the epithet in was quite different from that in its basonym This could be seen, at first glance, as an unnecessary epithet change that may render and its generic name illegitimate according to the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP). But in this paper, the author argues that for this particular case, '' and '' are better treated as different spellings of the same epithet. And if so, the change from '' to '' will not give rise to a case of illegitimacy under Rule 41a of the ICNP. Several possible counterarguments are discussed, which are shown to be based on a misinterpretation of the ICNP, particularly in relation to Rule 20a. As this is a non-trivial issue, the author requests a final decision by the Judicial Commission according to Rule 58 of the ICNP. An additional request for clarifying Rule 54 is also made.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out on strain T5W1, isolated from the roots of the aquatic plant . This isolate is Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, aerobic and non-pigmented. Nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence homology related the strain to , with 98.4% similarity to , and . Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) with the closest phylogenetic neighbour of T5W1 showed differences at the species level, further confirmed by differences in several physiological characteristics. The main fatty acids are summed feature 3 (C and/or C ), C , and C. The DNA G+C content is 59.3 mol%. Q-9 is the primary ubiquinone found, and phosphatidylethanolamine is the dominant polar lipid, with lesser amounts of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylserine. Based on the results obtained, this bacterium is assigned to the genus as a new species with the name sp. nov., type strain T5W1 (=NRRL B-65714 =DSM 118085).

The authors of a recent study in this journal in which the union of the genera and was proposed wrongfully indicated the correct generic name that should be used. According to Rule 24b(4) of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, Geng . 2015 has priority over Wang . 2015. Hence, a new combination is needed for the species that contains F4, and in this letter, (Wang . 2015) comb. nov. is proposed by correctly adopting the earliest legitimate generic name.

An obligately anaerobic, spore-forming sulphate-reducing bacterium, strain SB140, was isolated from a long-term continuous enrichment culture that was inoculated with peat soil from an acidic fen. Cells were immotile, slightly curved rods that stained Gram-negative. The optimum temperature for growth was 28 °C. Strain SB140 grew at pH 4.0-7.5 with an optimum pH of 6.0-7.0 using various electron donors and electron acceptors. Yeast extract, sugars, alcohols and organic acids were used as electron donors for sulphate reduction. SB140 additionally used elemental sulphur and nitrate as electron acceptors but not sulphite, thiosulphate or iron(III) provided as ferrihydrite and fumarate. The 16S rRNA gene sequence placed strain SB140 in the genus of the phylum . The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C (52.6%) and 5,7 C (19.9%). The draft genome of SB140 (5.42 Mbp in size) shared 77.4% average nucleotide identity with the closest cultured relatives M1 and SJ4. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic characteristics, SB140 was identified as a novel species within the genus , for which we propose the name sp. nov. The type strain is SB140 (=DSM 117342=JCM 39521).

https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.006662This report documents the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Mollicutes minutes for the meeting held 7 July 2024, Gran Canaria, Spain, at the 25th International Organization for Mycoplasmology Congress.