RHODOCOCCUS OPACUS SP-NOV, AN UNUSUAL NUTRITIONALLY VERSATILE RHODOCOCCUS-SPECIES

A new Rhodococcus-species was recognized during a comprehensive study on several unclassified nocardioform bacteria. Representative strains of the new taxon exhibited an unusual wide range of metabolic properti es including effective degradation of substituted aromatic compounds w ith ecological importance. Furthermore, the designated type strain was reportedly capable of chemolithotrophic growth. The new species can b e clearly differentiated from other described members of the genus Rho dococcus by lipid and physiological characteristics. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequence of the designated type strain has been determined. T he name Rhodococcus opacus is proposed for the new species.