Vagococcus lutrae sp nov., isolated from the common otter (Lutra lutra)

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositi ve catalase-negative coccus isolated from a common otter (Lutra lutra). Com parative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown bacterium r epresents a new subline within the genus Vagococcus. close to, but distinct from, Vagococcus fluvialis and Vagococcus salmoninarum. The unknown bacter ium was readily distinguished from the two currently recognized Vagococcus species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell pro teins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that th e unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Vagococcus lutrae, the type strain of which is CCUG 39187(T).