STAPHYLOCOCCUS-CONDIMENTI SP. NOV., FROM SAY SAUCE MASH, AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS-CARNOSUS (SCHLEIFER AND FISCHER 1982) SUBSP UTILIS SUBSP NOV

Based on the sequence data of 23S rRNA of Staphylococcus carnosus, Sta phylococcus piscifermentans, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, species-specific probes were constructed. their applicati on revealed a heterogeneity within 18 strains previously identified as S. carnosus. Strains of this group were selected, and their 23S rRNA sequence was determined. It was revealed that the strains of S. carnos us can be placed in at least three sub-groups. This grouping was suppo rted by physiological data and DNA-DNA similarity studies. Based on th ese results, we propose the new species Staphylococcus condimenti sp. nov. The type strain is S. condimenti F-2(T) (= DSM 11674(T)). The phy logenetic position of the new species within the radiation of other st aphylococcal strains is reflected by a 16S rRNA-based tree. Furthermor e, it is proposed to designate the new subspecies of Staphylococcus ca rnosus Schleifer and Fischer 1982, Staphylococcus carnosus subsp. util is subsp. nov. The type strain of S. carnosus subsp. utilis is SK 11(T )(= DSM 11676(T)).