Streptomyces thermocoprophilus sp nov., a cellulase-free endo-xylanase-producing streptomycete

The taxonomic position of a thermophilic actinomycete strain isolated from poultry faeces was examined using a polyphasic approach. The isolate, desig nated B19(T), was assigned to the genus Streptomyces on the basis of chemot axonomic and morphological criteria. An almost complete 16S rRNA gene (rDNA ) sequence obtained for the test strain was compared with those of represen tative streptomycetes, notably thermophilic streptomycetes. 16S rDNA sequen ce data not only supported the assignment of the strain to the genus Strept omyces but also showed that the isolate formed a distinct phyletic line wit hin the evolutionary branch composed of Streptomyces thermodiastaticus and related species. The strain was distinguished from related validly describe d Streptomyces species by a number of phenotypic properties. It is, therefo re, proposed that strain B19(T) be classified in the genus Streptomyces as Streptomyces thermocoprophilus sp. nov.