Characterization of Actinomyces isolates from samples from the human urogenital tract: description of Actinomyces urogenitalis sp nov.

Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were i solated from human clinical sources (urine. urethra and vaginal secretion). Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated tha t the strains were phenotypically homogeneous and distinct from previously described Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gen e sequencing studies showed the bacterium to he a hitherto unknown gene seq uencing studies showed the bacterium to De a hitherto unknown subline withi n a group of Actinomyces species which includes Actinomyces bovis, the type species of the genus. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from humans be classified as Actinomyce s urogenitalis sp. nov. The type strain of Actinomyces urogenitalis is CCUG 38702(T)(= CIP 106421(T)).