16S rDNA sequence and pyrolysis mass spectrometric analyses were carried ou
t on representatives of Rhodococcus equi and marker strains of genera that
encompass mycolic acid containing actinomycetes. The R. equi strains formed
a monophyletic clade within the evolutionary radiation occupied by members
of the genera Nocardia and Rhodococcus. The 16S rDNA sequence data also sh
owed R. equi to be an heterogeneous taxon. This heterogeneity was underscor
ed by the pyrolysis mass spectrometric data. These observations are in line
with those of previous studies where similar profiles of relatedness were
found between pyrolysis mass spectral data and the results of DNA:DNA pairi
ng and numerical phenetic studies.