Actinomyces marimammalium sp nov., from marine mammals

Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were i solated from samples taken from two dead seals and a porpoise. Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated the strains were phenotypically similar to each other but different from previously describ ed Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene seque ncing studies showed the organisms from marine animals were genetically clo sely related and represent a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Acti nomyces (sequence divergence values > 6 % with recognized species). Based o n phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bact erium from the seals and a porpoise should be classified as Actinomyces mar imammalium sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 41710(T).