Massilia jejuensis sp. nov. and Naxibacter suwonensis sp. nov., isolated from air samples

Massilia shenzhen sp. nov., isolated from blood of one premature infant, causing sepsis

This study explores a premature infant with respiratory failure and pneumonia, suggestive of neonatal sepsis. Despite initially negative clinical specimens, blood testing revealed a pathogen. MALDI-TOF-MS and physiological tests initially failed to identify it accurately. Subsequent analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, housekeeping genes, and whole genome sequencing placed it in the genus Massilia. Average Nucleotide Identities (ANIs) indicated 88.47 % similarity with the type strain of Massilia norwichensis. Detailed characterization showed it as Gram-negative, aerobic, flagellated, measuring 0.45-0.55 × 1.75-2.40 μm. Major fatty acids included C16:0, C16:1ω7c, C18:1ω7c, and cyclo-C17:0. Minimum inhibitory concentrations to ceftazidime, penicillin, and meropenem were <0.032 μg/mL, ≤0.75 μg/mL, and <0.002 μg/mL respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, fatty acid composition, and physiological parameters confirmed it as Massilia shenzhen sp. nov., with strain GZ0329T. Given limited research on Massilia drug resistance, ceftazidime and imipenem show promise in treating Massilia infections.

Taxonomic diversity and environmental tolerance of cultivable extremophilic bacteria from a high-altitude meltwater pond on Ojos del Salado (Chile)

Earth harbors unique environments where only microorganisms adapted to extreme conditions, known as extremophiles, can survive. This study focused on a high-altitude meltwater pond, located in the Puna de Atacama, Dry Andes. The extremophilic bacteria of this habitat must adapt to a range of extremities, including cold and dry climate, high UV radiation, high daily temperature fluctuations, low-nutrient availability, and negative water balance. This study aimed to explore the taxonomic diversity of cultivable extremophilic bacteria from sediment samples of a desiccated, high-altitude, meltwater pond using media with different organic matter contents and different incubation temperatures. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates were identified as members of the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes. The most abundant genera were Arthrobacter and Pseudoarthrobacter. The isolates had oligocarbophilic and psychrotrophic properties, suggesting that they have adapted to the extreme environmental parameters of their natural habitats. The results indicate a positive correlation between nutrient concentration and temperature tolerance.

Bosea beijingensis sp. nov., Telluria beijingensis sp. nov. and Agrococcus beijingensis sp. nov., isolated from baijiu mash

The baijiu fermentation environment hosts a variety of micro-organisms, some of which still remain uncultured and uncharacterized. In this study, the isolation, cultivation and characterization of three novel aerobic bacterial strains are described. The cells of strain REN20T were Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, motile and grew at 26-37 °C, at pH 6.0-9.0 and in the presence of 0-5.0   % (w/v) NaCl. The cells of strain REN29T were Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, motile and grew at 15-30 °C, at pH 6.0-9.0 and in the presence of 0-10.0   % (w/v) NaCl. The cells of strain REN33T were Gram-positive, strictly aerobic, motile and grew at 15-37 °C, at pH 5.0-10.0 and in the presence of 0-7.0   % (w/v) NaCl. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity by orthology values between type strains in related genera and REN20T (20.3-36.8 % and 79.8-89.9  %), REN29T (20.3-36.8  % and 74.5-88.5  %) and REN33T (22.6-48.6  % and 75.8-84.2  %) were below the standard cut-off criteria for the delineation of bacterial species, respectively. Based on polyphasic taxonomy analysis, we propose three new species, Bosea beijingensis sp. nov. (=REN20T=GDMCC 1.2894T=JCM 35118T), Telluria beijingensis sp. nov. (=REN29T=GDMCC 1.2896T=JCM 35119T) and Agrococcus beijingensis sp. nov. (=REN33T=GDMCC 1.2898T=JCM 35164T), which were recovered during cultivation and isolation from baijiu mash.

Massilia litorea sp. nov., Marinobacter salinisoli sp. nov. and Rhodobacter xanthinilyticus sp. nov., isolated from coastal environments

Three bacterial strains, namely LPB0304T, LPB0319T and LPB0142T, were isolated from coastal environments. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the three isolates were found to show the highest sequence similarities to Massilia litorea (98.44 %), Marinobacter salinisoli (97.55 %) and Rhodobacter lacus (97.60 %), respectively. The low (<98.7 %) sequence similarities and tree topologies implied the novelty of the three isolates, representing novel genomic species of the genus Massilia, Marinobacter and Rhodobacter. Numerous biochemical and physiological features also supported the distinctiveness of the isolates from previously known species. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic data presented in this study, three novel species are suggested with the following names: Massilia litorea sp. nov. (LPB0304T=KACC 21523T=ATCC TSD-216T), Marinobacter salinisoli sp. nov. (LPB0319T=KACC 21522T=ATCC TSD-218T) and Rhodobacter xanthinilyticus sp. nov. (LPB0142T=KACC 18892T=JCM 31567T).

Genome-wide and constrained ordination-based analyses of EC code data support reclassification of the species of Massilia La Scola et al. 2000 into Telluria Bowman et al. 1993, Mokoshia gen. nov. and Zemynaea gen. nov

Based on genome-wide data, Massilia species belonging to the clade including Telluria mixta LMG 11547T should be entirely transferred to the genus Telluria owing to the nomenclatural priority of the type species Telluria mixta. This results in the transfer of 35 Massilia species to the genus Telluria. The presented data also supports the creation of two new genera since peripherally branching Massilia species are distinct from Telluria and other related genera. It is proposed that 13 Massilia species are transferred to Mokoshia gen. nov. with the type species designated Mokoshia eurypsychrophila comb. nov. The species Massilia arenosa is proposed to belong to the genus Zemynaea gen. nov. as the type species Zemynaea arenosa comb. nov. The genome-wide analysis was well supported by canonical ordination analysis of Enzyme Commission (EC) codes annotated from genomes via pannzer2. This new approach was performed to assess the conclusions of the genome-based data and reduce possible ambiguity in the taxonomic decision making. Cross-validation of EC code data compared within canonical plots validated the reclassifications and correctly visualized the expected genus-level taxonomic relationships. The approach is complementary to genome-wide methodology and could be used for testing sequence alignment based data across genetically related genera. In addition to the proposed broader reclassifications, invalidly described species 'Massilia antibiotica', 'Massilia aromaticivorans', 'Massilia cellulosiltytica' and 'Massilia humi' are described as Telluria antibiotica sp. nov., Telluria aromaticivorans sp. nov., Telluria cellulosilytica sp. nov. and Pseudoduganella humi sp. nov., respectively. In addition, Telluria chitinolytica is reclassified as Pseudoduganella chitinolytica comb. nov. The use of combined genome-wide and annotation descriptors compared using canonical ordination clarifies the taxonomy of Telluria and its sibling genera and provides another way to evaluate complex taxonomic data.

Massilia aromaticivorans sp. nov., a BTEX Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Arctic Soil

A novel BTEX degrading bacterial strain, designated ML15P13^T, was isolated from Arctic soil at the Svalbard Islands, Norway, using an enrichment culture technique. This isolate is Gram-negative, aerobic, motile with multiple flagella at one polar end, and rod-shaped. Growth was observed at 4-35 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl. According to 16S rRNA gene analysis, strain ML15P13^T was grouped with members of the genus Massilia and closely related to Massilia atriviolacea SOD^T (98.4%), Massilia violaceinigra B2^T (98.3%), Massilia eurypsychrophila B528-3^T (97.7%), Massilia glaciei B448-2^T (97.7%), and Massilia psychrophila B115-1^T (96.6%). Average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and average amino acid identity between genome sequences of strain ML15P13^T and the closely related species ranged from 75.8 to 84.3%, from 19.6 ± 1.0 to 21.6 ± 0.3%, and from 68.8 to 71.0%, respectively. The major fatty acids were C_16:0, summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω6c and/or C_16:1 ω7c), and summed feature 8 (C_18:1 ω7c and/or C_18:1 ω6c). Q-8 was the major ubiquinone. The polar lipid profile showed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid, and five unidentified polar lipids. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 64.2 mol%. Based on the results for genotypic and phenotypic study, we conclude that strain ML15P13^T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia aromaticivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ML15P13^T (= KACC 21773^T = JCM 34089^T).

Massilia buxea sp. nov., isolated from a rock surface

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and motile bacterial strain, designated A9^T, was isolated from the surface of rock collected from the shore of Nvshan lake in Mingguang, Anhui province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence data showed that strain A9^T was affiliated with the genus Massilia and showed the highest sequence similarities to Massilia plicata KCTC 12344^T (98.8 %) and Massilia lurida CGMCC 1.10822^T (97.9 %). The major fatty acids (>5 %) were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C15 : 0 iso 2-OH), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. Strain A9^T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospholipid as the predominant polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 69.9 mol%. Mean DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain A9^T and its closest phylogenetic relatives, M. plicata KCTC 12344^T and M. lurida CGMCC 1.10822^T, were 38.8 % and 23.23 %, respectively. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, strain A9^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia buxea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A9^T (=DSM 103547^T=CGMCC 1.15931^T=KCTC 52429^T).

Massilia phosphatilytica sp. nov., a phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from a long-term fertilized soil

A Gram-stain-negative and rod-shaped bacterial strain, 12-OD1T, with rock phosphate solubilizing ability was isolated from agricultural soil in Hailun, Heilongjiang, PR China. The isolate was affiliated to the genus Massilia, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence alignments, having the highest similarities with Massilia putida6 NM-7T (98.67 %), Massilia kyonggiensis TSA1T (98.28 %), and Massilia norwichensis NS9T (98.07 %), respectively. The DNA G+C content was 67.72 mol% and DNA-DNA hybridization showed low relatedness values (less than 47 %) between strain 12-OD1T and other phylogenetically related species of the genus Massilia. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were C17 : 0 cyclo (25.4 %), C16 : 0 (23.4 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) (22.5 %), which differentiates it from close relatives within the genus Massilia. Combined genetic, physiological and biochemical properties indicate that strain 12-OD1T is a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia phosphatilytica sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain 12-OD1T (=CCTCC AB 2016251T=LMG 29956T=KCTC 52513T).

Massilia glaciei sp. nov., isolated from the Muztagh Glacier

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, bacterial strain, B448-2^T, was isolated from an ice core from the Muztagh Glacier, on the Tibetan Plateau. B448-2^T grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 20 °C in the presence of 0-1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis indicated that B448-2^T was closely related to Massilia eurypsychrophila CGMCC 1.12828^T, Rugamonas rubra CCM3730^T and Duganella zoogloeoides JCM20729^T at levels of 97.8, 97.7  and 97.3 %, respectively. The predominant fatty acids of B448-2^T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content of the strain was 66.1 mol%. In DNA-DNA hybridization tests, B448-2^T shared 37.6 % DNA-DNA relatedness with Massilia eurypsychrophila CGMCC 1.12828^T. On the basis of the results for phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, B448-2^T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massiliaglaciei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B448-2^T (=JCM 30271^T=CGMCC 1.12920^T).

Massilia varians Isolated from a Clinical Specimen

We report a case of Massilia varians isolated from a deep finger wound following orthopedic surgery on an immunocompetent patient. The bacterium was identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. This is the first case of M. varians isolated from a clinical specimen since the first report in 2008.

Massilia psychrophila sp. nov., isolated from an ice core

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, strain B1555-1T, was isolated from an ice core drilled from Ulugh Muztagh Glacier, China. The optimum growth temperature of strain B1555-1T was 15 °C and optimum pH was 7. The major fatty acids of strain B1555-1T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content of strain B1555-1T was 66.0 mol%. In 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain B1555-1T was affiliated to the genus Massilia and shared 98.30 and 97.13 % similarity with Massilia eurypsychrophila B528-3T and Massilia niabensis 5420S-26T, respectively. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization revealed that strain B1555-1T showed 49.8 % relatedness with M. eurypsychrophila B528-3T and 38.5 % with M. niabensis 5420S-26T. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic evidence presented in this study, strain B1555-1T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia psychrophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B1555-1T (=CGMCC 1.15196T=JCM 30813T).

Massilia arvi sp. nov., isolated from fallow-land soil previously cultivated with Brassica oleracea, and emended description of the genus Massilia

A novel bacterial strain, designated THG-RS2OT, was isolated from fallow-land soil previously cultivated with Brassica oleracea in Yongin, South Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile rods, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain THG-RS2OT grew optimally at 25–37 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that strain THG-RS2OT shows highest sequence similarity with Massilia kyonggiensis KACC 17471T followed by Massilia aerilata KACC 12505T, Massilia niastensis KACC 12599T, Massilia tieshanensis KACC 14940T and Massilia haematophila KCTC 32001T. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain THG-RS2OT and the closest phylogenetic neighbours were below 55.0 % and the DNA G+C content of strain THG-RS2OT was 63.2 mol%. Major fatty acids were C16 : 0, cyclo-C17 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). The major respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquonone-8 and predominant polar lipids were determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Characterization by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization, ubiquinone, polar lipid, fatty acid composition, and physiological and biochemical parameters revealed that strain THG-RS2OT represents a novel species of the genus Massilia. Hence, the present study describes a novel species for which the name Massilia arvi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-RS2OT ( = KCTC 42609T = CCTCC AB 2015115T).

Massilia eurypsychrophila sp. nov. a facultatively psychrophilic bacteria isolated from ice core

Strain B528-3T, a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, facultatively psychrophilic bacterium with polar flagella, was isolated from an ice core drilled from Muztagh Glacier, Xinjiang, China. The novel isolate was classified into the genus Massilia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the novel isolate shares a pairwise similarity of less than 97 % with those of all the type strains of the genus Massilia. The major fatty acids of strain B528-3T were summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH) (57.31 %), C16:0 (11.46 %) and C18:1ω7c (14.72 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content was 62.2 mol% (T m). The major polar lipids of this bacterium were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. From the genotypic and phenotypic data, it is evident that strain B528-3T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia eurypsychrophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B528-3T ( = JCM 30074T = CGMCC 1.12828T).

Characterization of halophilic bacterial communities in Turda Salt Mine (Romania)

Halophilic organisms are having adaptations to extreme salinity, the majority of them being Archaean, which have the ability to grow at extremely high salt concentrations, (from 3 % to 35 %). Level of salinity causes natural fluctuations in the halophilic populations that inhabit this particular habitat, raising problems in maintaining homeostasis of the osmotic pressure. Samples such as salt and water taken from Turda Salt Mine were analyzed in order to identify the eco-physiological bacterial groups. Considering the number of bacteria of each eco-physiological group, the bacterial indicators of salt quality (BISQ) were calculated and studied for each sample. The phosphatase, catalase and dehydrogenases enzymatic activities were quantitatively determined and the enzymatic indicators of salt quality (EISQ) were calculated. Bacterial isolates were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Universal bacterial primers, targeting the consensus region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were used. Analysis of a large fragment, of 1499 bp was performed to improve discrimination at the species level.

Massilia norwichensis sp. nov., isolated from an air sample

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped and motile bacterial isolate, designated strain NS9(T), isolated from air of the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich, UK, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study including phylogenetic analyses based on partial 16S rRNA, gyrB and lepA gene sequences and phenotypic characterization. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of NS9(T) identified Massilia haematophila CCUG 38318(T), M. niastensis 5516S-1(T) (both 97.7% similarity), M. aerilata 5516S-11(T) (97.4%) and M. tieshanensis TS3(T) (97.4%) as the next closest relatives. In partial gyrB and lepA sequences, NS9(T) shared the highest similarities with M. haematophila CCUG 38318(T) (94.5%) and M. aerilata 5516-11(T) (94.3%), respectively. These sequence data demonstrate the affiliation of NS9(T) to the genus Massilia. The detection of the predominant ubiquinone Q-8, a polar lipid profile consisting of the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol and a polyamine pattern containing 2-hydroxyputrescine and putrescine were in agreement with the assignment of strain NS9(T) to the genus Massilia. Major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16:0, C18: 1ω7c and C10:0 3-OH. Dissimilarities in partial lepA and gyrB gene sequences as well as results from DNA-DNA hybridizations demonstrate that strain NS9(T) is a representative of an as-yet undescribed species of the genus Massilia that is also distinguished from its close relatives based on physiological and biochemical traits. Hence, we describe a novel species, for which we propose the name Massilia norwichensis sp. nov., with the type strain NS9(T) ( = CCUG 65457(T) =LMG 28164(T)).

Massilia umbonata sp. nov., able to accumulate poly-β-hydroxybutyrate, isolated from a sewage sludge compost-soil microcosm

A bacterial strain, designated strain LP01(T), was isolated from a laboratory-scale microcosm packed with a mixture of soil and sewage sludge compost designed to study the evolution of microbial biodiversity over time. The bacterial strain was selected for its potential ability to store polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as intracellular granules. The cells were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming motile rods. Phylogenetically, the strain was classified within the genus Massilia, as its 16S rRNA gene sequence had similarity of 99.2 % with respect to those of Massilia albidiflava DSM 17472(T) and M. lutea DSM 17473(T). DNA-DNA hybridization showed low relatedness of strain LP01(T) to the type strains of other, phylogenetically related species of the genus Massilia. It contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) as the major fatty acid(s). It was found to contain small amounts of the fatty acids C18 : 0 and C14 : 0 2-OH, a feature that served to distinguish it from its closest phylogenetic relatives within the genus Massilia. The DNA G+C content was 66.0 mol%. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data obtained in this study suggest that strain LP01(T) represents a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia umbonata sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LP01(T) ( = CECT 7753(T) = DSM 26121(T)).

Massilia lurida sp. nov., isolated from soil

A bacterial isolate, designated strain D5T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation using a polyphasic approach. Strain D5T was aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and motile. Strain D5T fell within the evolutionary radius of the genus Massilia in the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and was most closely related to Massilia plicata 76T with 97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The predominant quinone of strain D5T was Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16 : 0. These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain D5T to the genus Massilia . The genomic DNA G+C content was 65.9 mol%. Mean DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain D5T and the phylogenetically most closely related species of the genus Massilia , Massilia plicata KCTC 12344T and Massilia dura KCTC 12342T, were 26 and 21 %, respectively. Strain D5T could be differentiated from recognized species of the genus Massilia by several phenotypic characteristics. It is clear from the data presented that strain D5T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia , for which the name Massilia lurida sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D5T ( = CGMCC 1.10822T = KCTC 23880T).

Massilia yuzhufengensis sp. nov., isolated from an ice core

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile bacterium, strain Y1243-1T, was isolated from an ice core drilled from Yuzhufeng Glacier, Tibetan Plateau, China. Cells had polar flagella. The novel strain shared 94.7–97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of species of the genus Massilia . The novel isolate is thus classified in the genus Massilia . The major fatty acids of strain Y1243-1T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) (43.98 %), C16 : 0 (27.86 %), C10 : 0 3-OH (7.10 %), C18 : 0 (6.95 %) and C18 : 1ω7c (5.01 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content of strain Y1243-1T was 65.7 mol% (T m). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. A number of phenotypic characteristics distinguished the novel isolate from the type strains of recognized Massilia species. Furthermore, in DNA–DNA hybridization tests, strain Y1243-1T shared 45 % relatedness with its closest phylogenetic relative, Massilia consociata CCUG 58010T. From the genotypic and phenotypic data, it is evident that strain Y1243-1T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia , for which the name Massilia yuzhufengensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y1243-1T ( = KACC 16569T = CGMCC 1.12041T).

Massilia tieshanensis sp. nov., isolated from mining soil

A bacterial isolate, designated strain TS3T, was isolated from soil collected from a metal mine in Tieshan District, Daye City, Hubei Province, in central China. Cells of this strain were Gram-negative, motile and rod-shaped. The strain had ubiquinone Q-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acids. The G+C content was 65.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain TS3T was most closely related to Massilia niastensis 5516S-1T (98.5 %), Massilia consociata CCUG 58010T (97.6 %), Massilia aerilata 5516S-11T (97.4 %) and Massilia varians CCUG 35299T (97.2 %). DNA–DNA hybridization revealed low relatedness between strain TS3T and M. niastensis KACC 12599T (36.5 %), M. consociata CCUG 58010T (27.1 %), M. aerilata KACC 12505T (22.7 %) and M. varians CCUG 35299T (46.5 %). On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain TS3T belongs to the genus Massilia , but is clearly differentiated from other members of the genus. The strain represents a novel species, for which the name Massilia tieshanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TS3T ( = CCTCC AB 2010202T  = KACC 14940T).

Massilia namucuonensis sp. nov., isolated from a soil sample

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain 333-1-0411(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Namucuo, Tibet Autonomous Region, China and characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The major fatty acid components of strain 333-1-0411(T) were summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or C(16 : 1)ω6c) and C(16 : 0); its major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. Q-8 was the dominant ubiquinone, and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 66.7 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 333-1-0411(T) fell within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the genus Massilia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain 333-1-0411(T) and recognized species of the genus Massilia ranged from 95.4 % to 97.2 %, and the most closely related strains were Massilia flava Y9(T) (97.2 %) and Massilia albidiflava 45(T) (97.0 %). However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain 333-1-0411(T) and M. flava Y9(T) and M. albidiflava 45(T) were 20.2 % and 27.2 %, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain 333-1-0411(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia namucuonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 333-1-0411(T) (= CGMCC 1.11014(T) = DSM 25159(T)).

Massilia flava sp. nov., isolated from soil

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Y9T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Ningxia Province in China and was characterized to determine its taxonomic position. Strain Y9T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone. Major fatty acid components were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Y9T was 68.7 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain fell within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the genus Massilia. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Y9T and the type strains of recognized Massilia species ranged from 95.2 to 98.2 %, the highest values being with Massilia albidiflava 45T (98.2 %) and Massilia lutea 101T (98.0 %). However, levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain Y9T and M. albidiflava KCTC 12343T and M. lutea KCTC 12345T were 37 and 26 %, respectively. Strain Y9T was clearly differentiated from its nearest phylogenetic relatives in the genus Massilia based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties. Therefore, strain Y9T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y9T ( = CGMCC 1.10685T  = KCTC 23585T).

Massilia oculi sp. nov., isolated from a human clinical specimen

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain CCUG 43427AT) was isolated from a patient suffering from endophthalmitis and its taxonomic position was studied. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that this strain was a member of the genus Massilia. Strain CCUG 43427AT was most closely related to the type strains of Massilia timonae (97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Massilia aurea (97.2 %); levels of similarity to the type strains of all other recognized Massilia species were below 97.0 %. Chemotaxonomic data [Q-8 as major ubiquinone; phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids; and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C12 : 0 and C10 : 0 3-OH as major fatty acids] supported the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Massilia. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness of strain CCUG 43427AT with M. timonae CCUG 45783T and M. aurea AP13T were 60.6 % (reciprocal, 55.8 %) and 58.1 % (reciprocal, 34.0 %), respectively. Strain CCUG 43427AT could be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic neighbours based on a range of phenotypic characteristics. Strain CCUG 43427AT is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia oculi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CCUG 43427AT ( = CCM 7900T).

Massilia timonae infection presenting as generalized lymphadenopathy in a man returning to Belgium from Nigeria

We report a case of apparent malaria infection presented with a syndrome of painless, generalized lymphadenopathy without granulomas shortly after exposure to fresh water in rural West Africa. Residual infection with Massilia timonae was diagnosed and successfully treated with co-trimoxazole.

Revision of the genus Massilia La Scola et al. 2000, with an emended description of the genus and inclusion of all species of the genus Naxibacter as new combinations, and proposal of Massilia consociata sp. nov

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium originating from a human clinical specimen was studied for its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies clearly allocated this strain (CCUG 58010(T)) to the class Betaproteobacteria, closely related to members of the genera Massilia and Naxibacter. Naxibacter varians was shown to be the most closely related species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.5 %), followed by Massilia niastensis (96.8 %) and Massilia aerilata (96.4 %). Similarities to all other species of the genera Naxibacter and Massilia were in the range 93.9-96.2 %. Chemotaxonomic data (major ubiquinone: Q-8; major polar lipids: phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; and major fatty acids: summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH), C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)ω7c and C(12 : 0), with C(10 : 0) 3-OH as hydroxylated fatty acid) supported the affiliation of the isolate to these genera, which share these chemotaxonomic traits. DNA-DNA hybridization of strain CCUG 58010(T) with the type strain of N. varians CCUG 35299(T) resulted in a relatedness value of 39.2 % (reciprocal, 50 %) and physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from the most closely related species. There is currently no justification for a division of the genera Massilia and Naxibacter and for this reason a proposal is made to transfer all species of the genus Naxibacter to the genus Massilia, as Massilia alkalitolerans comb. nov., Massilia varians comb. nov., Massilia haematophila comb. nov. and Massilia suwonensis comb. nov. Strain CCUG 58010(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Massilia consociata sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CCUG 58010(T) ( = CCM 7792(T)).

Hit-and-run stimulation: a novel concept to reactivate latent HIV-1 infection without cytokine gene induction

Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) efficiently controls HIV-1 replication but fails to eradicate the virus. Even after years of successful ART, HIV-1 can conceal itself in a latent state in long-lived CD4(+) memory T cells. From this latent reservoir, HIV-1 rebounds during treatment interruptions. Attempts to therapeutically eradicate this viral reservoir have yielded disappointing results. A major problem with previously utilized activating agents is that at the concentrations required for efficient HIV-1 reactivation, these stimuli trigger high-level cytokine gene expression (hypercytokinemia). Therapeutically relevant HIV-1-reactivating agents will have to trigger HIV-1 reactivation without the induction of cytokine expression. We present here a proof-of-principle study showing that this is a possibility. In a high-throughput screening effort, we identified an HIV-1-reactivating protein factor (HRF) secreted by the nonpathogenic bacterium Massilia timonae. In primary T cells and T-cell lines, HRF triggered a high but nonsustained peak of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity. While this short NF-kappaB peak potently reactivated latent HIV-1 infection, it failed to induce gene expression of several proinflammatory NF-kappaB-dependent cellular genes, such as those for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). Dissociation of cellular and viral gene induction was achievable, as minimum amounts of Tat protein, synthesized following application of a short NF-kappaB pulse, triggered HIV-1 transactivation and subsequent self-perpetuated HIV-1 expression. In the absence of such a positive feedback mechanism, cellular gene expression was not sustained, suggesting that strategies modulating the NF-kappaB activity profile could be used to selectively trigger HIV-1 reactivation.