Actinomyces catuli sp nov., from dogs

An Actinomyces-like bacterium was recovered from two dogs. Based on cellula r morphology and biochemical criteria, the unknown bacterium resembled the genus Actinomyces but it did not appear to correspond to any of the current ly recognized species of this genus. PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins c onfirmed that the strain was phenotypically distinct from all other Actinom yces species and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacte rium represents an unknown sub-line within the genus. Based on phenotypic a nd phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the bacterium from dogs be cl assified as a new species of the genus Actinomyces, Actinomyces catuli. The type strain of Actinomyces catuli is CCUG 41709(T) (= CIP 106507(T)).