Characterization of a novel Atopobium isolate from the human vagina: description of Atopobium vaginae sp nov.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on a hitherto undescribe d micro-organism isolated from the human vagina. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that the unknown strain constituted a new s ubline within the genus Atopobium. The unknown bacterium was readily distin guished from other Atopobium species by biochemical tests and electrophoret ic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic ev idence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Atopobiu m vaginae sp. nov. The type strain of Atopobium vaginae is CCUG 38953(T).