Vibrio lentus sp nov., isolated from Mediterranean oysters

Twelve phenotypically similar marine bacteria have been studied by means of ribotyping. DNA-DNA hybridization and cultural and physiological character ization. Phylogenetic analysis has been performed of the 16S and 23S rRNA g enes of two representative strains. Phylogenetically. they belong to the Vi brio/Photobacterium branch of the gamma -Proteobacteria and they share all of the properties that define the genus Vibrio. The strains represent a new Vibrio species that is phenotypically similar to Vibrio splendidus, Howeve r, resistance to the vibriostatic agent O129 and production of acid from se veral carbohydrates allow differentiation between V. splendidus and the pro posed new species. The DNA G + C content of the proposed type strain is 44. 0 mol%, The name Vibrio lentus sp. nov. is proposed for the new species and strain 40M4(T) (= CECT 5110(T) = DSM 13757(T)) is the type strain.