Atopobacter phocae gen. nov., sp nov., a novel bacterium isolated from common seals

Two strains of a Cram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from common seals were characterized using p henotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. The two strains closely resemble d each other based on their biochemical characteristics, and PACE analysis of whole-cell protein patterns confirmed their close phenotypic affinity. 1 6S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the two strains were genetically highly related (99.8% sequence similarity) and that they constitute a new line of descent within the lactic acid group of bacteria. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours of the unknown bacterium were Granulicatella spp,, with related taxa such as enterococci, carnobacteria, Desemzia incerta, Lastosphaera pa steurii, Melissococcus plutonius, tetragenococci and vagococci more distant ly related. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed th at the unknown bacterium from seals be classified in a new genus as Atopoba cter phocae gen, nov., sp, nov. The type strain of Atopobacter phocae is CC UG 42358(T) (= CIP 106392(T)).