LEUCONOSTOC-ARGENTINUM SP-NOV, ISOLATED FROM ARGENTINE RAW-MILK

The levels of genotypic relatedness among seven strains of Leuconostoc spp. isolated from Argentine raw milk, Leuconostoc lactis DSM 20202T (T = type strain) and DSM 20198, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mese nteroides NCDO 523T, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum NCDO 529T, and Leuconostoc paramesenteroides DSM 20288T were determined by performing a numerical analysis of total soluble cell protein pattern s and DNA-DNA hybridization data. The Argentine raw milk strains forme d a tight genotypic cluster at an r value of greater-than-or-equal-to 0.85 and exhibited low levels of DNA homology with the other species i ncluded in this study. These strains represent a new species within th e group of leuconostocs isolated from milk or dairy products. The name Leuconostoc argentinum sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is strai n LL76.