Rare Halophilic Nocardiopsis from Algerian Saharan Soils as Tools for Biotechnological Processes in Pharmaceutical Industry

The Sahara Desert, one of the most extreme ecosystems in the planet, constitutes an unexplored source of microorganisms such as mycelial bacteria. In this study, we investigated the diversity of halophilic actinobacteria in soils collected from five regions of the Algerian Sahara. A total of 23 halophilic actinobacterial strains were isolated by using a humic-vitamin agar medium supplemented with 10% NaCl. The isolated halophilic strains were subjected to taxonomic analysis using a polyphasic approach, which included morphological, chemotaxonomic, physiological (numerical taxonomy), and phylogenetic analyses. The isolates showed abundant growth in CMA (complex medium agar) and TSA (tryptic soy agar) media containing 10% NaCl, and chemotaxonomic characteristics were consistent with their assignment to the genus Nocardiopsis. Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence of 23 isolates showed five distinct clusters and a similarity level ranging between 98.4% and 99.8% within the Nocardiopsis species. Comparison of their physiological characteristics with the nearest species showed significant differences with the closely related species. Halophilic Nocardiopsis isolated from Algerian Sahara soil represents a distinct phyletic line suggesting a potential new species. Furthermore, the isolated strains of halophilic Nocardiopsis were screened for their antagonistic properties against a broad spectrum of microorganisms by the conventional agar method (agar cylinders method) and found to have the capacity to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Except one isolate (AH37), all isolated Nocardiopsis showed moderate to high biological activities against Pseudomonas syringae and Salmonella enterica, and some isolates showed activities against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, no isolates were active against Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus flavus, or Aspergillus niger. The obtained finding implies that the unexplored extreme environments such as the Sahara contain many new bacterial species as a novel drug source for medical and industrial applications.

Pressurized Liquid Extraction for the Recovery of Carotenoids and Functional Compounds from Green and Orange Dunaliella salina Biomasses

In recent years, intensive research has been conducted on natural carotenoids extraction using several processes. Conventional extraction methods require high amounts of solvents and a long extraction time. However, pressurized liquid extraction demonstrated to be an interesting method. The extraction efficiencies of pressurized liquid for the recovery of carotenoids, from the green and the orange biomasses of the microalga Dunaliella salina DunaDZ1, are described. Organic solvents were tested including ethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and a mixture of n-hexane:ethanol (3:4). Moreover, three extraction temperatures were used (90, 120 and 150 °C) at constant pressure. Extraction efficiency and extracts characterization were conducted. Results have shown that temperature has a positive effect on extraction yield. HPLC characterization showed that β-carotene is the main carotenoid in the orange biomass, and lutein in the green biomass, with the presence of other minor carotenoids in both biomasses. The highest carotenoid amounts were found in the n-hexane orange biomass extract, with β-carotene isomers as the main carotenoid (138.54 and 357.10 mg/g of dry extract, for cis and trans isomers, respectively). Otherwise, extracts obtained at the lowest tested temperature provided the best carotenoid yields. The best results for the antioxidant activity were obtained at 120 °C for orange biomass ethyl acetate extract.

Isolation, Identification and Screening of Saharan Actinomycete Strain Streptomyces fimbriatus AC31 Endowed with Antimicrobial Activity

The increasing global public health concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates exploration of natural antimicrobial agents as potential alternatives. This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial activities of Saharan actinomycetes, with specific focus on the strain Streptomyces fimbriatus AC31, that holds promising potential as an alternative to combat AMR. In this context, 32 actinomycetes were isolated from El Atteuf (Ghardaïa), Algeria. Isolates obtained were characterized morphologically and biochemically. Screened isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Classification of actinomycete isolates was carried out by UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean). Then, they were screened for their antimicrobial activity by cross-streak method. Identification of 32 isolates revealed 5 genera: Streptomyces (65.63%), Nocardia (9.38%), Streptosporangium (9.38%), Nocardiopsis (9.38%) and Actinomadura (6.25%). According to the biochemical and physiological characteristics, UPGMA classified the isolates in 4 phenons. A number of 24 (75.00%) isolates were active against Gram-positive bacteria, 21 (65.63%) isolates were effective against Gram-negative bacteria, and 25 (78.13%) isolates inhibited Candida albicans. Screened strain Streptomyces fimbriatus AC31 showed highest antagonistic activity and revealed an inhibition zones of 41, 38, 41, 42, and 44 mm, against B. subtilis (ATCC 6633), E. coli (ATCC 8739), S. typhimurium (ATCC 13331), S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and C. albicans (ATCC 10231), respectively. Phylogenetic identification of the AC 31 isolate using 16S rRNA gene sequence showed similarity of 100% with Streptomyces fimbriatus NBRC 15411T. Actinomycete isolates characterized in this study were endowed with antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms that could be used efficiently in developing new antimicrobial substances.

Genome-based reclassification of Actinopolyspora righensis Meklat et al. 2013 as a later heterotypic synonym of Actinopolyspora lacussalsi Guan et al. 2013 and description of Actinopolyspora lacussalsi subsp. lacussalsi subsp. nov. and Actinopolyspora lacussalsi subsp. righensis subsp. nov

A genome led phylophasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic status of a strain, DSM 45956, recovered from a Saharan desert soil. A wealth of taxonomic data, including average nucleotide identity and DNA:DNA hybridization (DDH) values, showed that the isolate and the type strains of Actinopolyspora lacussalsi and Actinopolyspora righensis belong to the same species. Consequently, it is proposed that A. righensis is a heterotypic synonym of A. lacussalsi. Similarly, DDH values and associated phenotypic data show that A. lacussalsi contains two subspecies, A. lacussalsi subsp. lacussalsi and A. lacussalsi subsp. righensis which includes isolate DSM 45956.

Phenotypic, genotypic, and technological characterization of new lactic acid bacterium isolated from traditional dairy product in Djelfa, Algeria

A total of 33 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 5 samples of traditional dairy product (Jben) collected from various livestock farms in Oued El Malha, Djelfa, the Ouled Naïl Range of north-central Algeria. The taxonomic study of the strain B04 using a multiphase approach based on morphology, physiology, molecular (16S rRNA) and phylogenetic analyses allowed correlating this strain to Enterococcaceae. The difference of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate toward the most closely related genus Enterococcus was more than 6 % suggesting that the strain B04 represents a new genus. The results of the evaluation of some physiological tests indicated that B04 exhibited good biological activities including acidifying, proteolytic and bacterial inhibition. The strain B04 was antagonistic toward Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876.

Biosorption of cationic and anionic dyes using the biomass of Aspergillus parasiticus CBS 100926T

Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) CBS 100926^T was used as a biosorbent for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB), Congo Red (CR), Sudan Black (SB), Malachite Green Oxalate (MGO), Basic Fuchsin (BF) and Phenol Red (PR) from aqueous solutions. The batch biosorption studies were carried out as a function of dye concentration and contact time. The biosorption process followed the pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The resulting biosorbent was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometer and Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The results of the present investigation suggest that A. parasiticus can be used as an environmentally benign and low cost biomaterial for the removal of basic and acid dyes from aqueous solution.

A new dithiolopyrrolone antibiotic triggered by a long fermentation of Saccharothrix algeriensis NRRL B-24137 in sorbic acid-amended medium

Saccharothrix algeriensis NRRL B-24137 is an actinobacterium isolated from Algerian Saharan soil. It produces bioactive compounds belonging to the dithiolopyrrolone class of antibiotics, which are characterized by the possession of a unique pyrrolinonodithiole nucleus. Dithiolopyrrolones are known for their strong antibacterial and antifungal activities. This class of antibiotics generated great interest after the discovery of their anticancer properties. In this study, an antibiotic named PR11, produced after a long bacterial fermentation (11 days) in sorbic acid-containing culture broth, was characterized as a new dithiolopyrrolone derivative. After HPLC analysis and purification, the chemical structure of this antibiotic was determined by ¹ H- and ¹³ C-nuclear magnetic resonance, mass and UV-visible data. PR11 was thus characterized as an iso-hexanoyl-pyrrothine, a novel dithiolopyrrolone derivative. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the new induced antibiotic were determined against several pathogenic micro-organisms. A moderate to strong activity was noted against all Gram-positive bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts tested. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Given the strong activities of dithiolopyrrolones against diverse prokaryotic and eukaryotic micro-organisms including potent selective-anticancer activity, the discovery of new-related derivatives draw continuous attention for therapeutic research. Depending on nature and concentration of added precursor, Saccharothrix algeriensis NRRL B-24137 produce several dithiolopyrrolone coumpounds. In this study, sorbic acid addition combined to long fermentation duration was shown to induce the biosynthesis of a novel dithiolopyrrolone derivative. After purification and full spectroscopic and spectrometric study, the compound was characterized as iso-hexanoyl-pyrrothine. In the future investigation for novel dithiolopyrrolone discovery, fermentation duration should be regarded as a key parameter as well.

Taxonomy and antimicrobial activity of streptosporangium strain SG163 isolated from a Saharan soil

n a continuing search fornew antimicrobial products from actinobacteriacollected in Algerian Saharan soils, an isolateof actinobacteria,designated Sg163, was selected for its interesting antimicrobial activity.The isolate wasidentified to the genus Streptosporangium by phenotypicand molecular criteria. The cultural and physiological characterizations as well as phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate was different from known members of the genus Streptosporangium. Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence showed 97.09to 98.27% similarity with those of Streptosporangium type strains. The strainSg163 produced antifungal and antibacterial activities on several culture media. The highest antimicrobial activities were obtained in ISP2 medium. Three active products C1, C2 and C3 with both antifungal and antibacterial activities were isolated and purified by chromatographic methodswith C2, as the major compound. The data of the infraredspectroscopy andthe chemical revelations, suggested that the active molecules were glycosylatedaromaticcompounds.

Effective biosynthesis of benzoyl-pyrrothine dithiolopyrrolone antibiotic by cinnamic acid-precursor addition in culture of Saccharothrix algeriensis NRRL B-24137

Dithiolopyrrolone antibiotics, produced by several micro-organisms, are known for their strong antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Among of this micro-organisms, Saccharothrix algeriensis NRRL B-24137, a rare actinobacterium, has the ability to produce several dithiolopyrrolones derivatives depending on precursors added in the culture medium. After 10 days of strain fermentation on semi-synthetic medium supplemented with cinnamic acid and HPLC purification, biosynthesis of benzoyl-pyrrothine dithiolopyrrolone was evidenced through complete spectroscopic (UV-visible and 1H and 13C NMR) and spectrometric (electron impact mass spectrum) analyses. The pure molecule showed appreciable minimum inhibitory concentration values against several Gram-positive bacteria and filamentous fungi. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Dithiolopyrrolone antibiotics, known for their strong antimicrobial activities, gained greater interest after the discovery of their antitumor properties. Depending on precursors added, Saccharothrix algeriensis NRRL B-24137 has the ability to produce several dithiolopyrrolones derivatives. Since biological activities of dithiolopyrrolones are related to their variable structure, discover of new natural analogues to be therapeutically explored remains a significant framework of research. In this study, a new dithiolopyrrolone derivative was purified from the fermentation broth of S. algeriensis NRRL B-24137. This new antibiotic, characterized as benzoyl-pyrrothine dithiolopyrrolone, was induced by adding cinnamic acid, as precursor, to a semi-synthetic medium.

Antimicrobial activities of novel bipyridine compounds produced by a new strain of Saccharothrix isolated from Saharan soil

The actinobacterium strain ABH26 closely related to Saccharothrix xinjiangensis, isolated from an Algerian Saharan soil sample, exhibited highly antagonist activity against Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi. Its ability to produce antimicrobial compounds was investigated using several solid culture media. The highest antimicrobial activity was obtained on Bennett medium. The antibiotics secreted by strain ABH26 on Bennett medium were extracted by methanol and purified by reverse-phase HPLC using a C18 column. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined after spectroscopic (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY and ¹H-¹³C HMBC spectra), and spectrometric (mass spectrum) analyses. Two new cyanogriside antibiotics named cyanogriside I (1) and cyanogriside J (2), were characterized along with three known caerulomycins, caerulomycin A (3), caerulomycin F (4) and caerulomycinonitrile (5). This is the first report of cyanogrisides and caerulomycins production by a member of the Saccharothrix genus. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of these antibiotics were determined against pathogenic microorganisms.

Social challenges of contemporary psychiatry

Psychiatry and society are interrelated and the biopsychosocial model continues to dominate the clinical psychiatric practice. Some doubts have been expressed in recent years about the value and the wide acceptance of the biopsychosocial model. Ghaemi (2009)1 considers it to be anti-humanistic and advocates the use of less eclectic, less generic, and less vague alternatives. The fundamental changes that have been witnessed in our times across the spectrum of biology, psychology and sociology have made necessary that a conceptual clarity should prevail. The remarkable advances in neurosciences, neurobiology and genetics tend to swing the emphasis towards a more biological basis. Psychosis for example is the condition often regarded as being biologically constructed and most independent of the social context. The symptoms, however, of hallucinations and delusions in psychosis have social meaning for the person experiencing them and are primarily defined socially.2 Furthermore, vulnerability is often the result of social trauma, whether in the form of recent stressors that trigger onset, or earlier circumstances that shape cognitive and emotional style. Moreover, the approved treatment and management of long term psychiatric disorders has involved interventions that are either directly social, or psychosocial. Furthermore, doubts have also been raised by the endophenotype project,3 related to the genetics of schizophrenia. Cohen4 suggested that there may be more individual genotypic patterns associated with schizophrenia than people with schizophrenia on the planet. A recent alternative interpretation (network approach) is gaining some support. It suggests that a stressor causes symptoms that activate other symptoms, in a circular, self-reinforcing way.5 This theory moves away from psychiatric disorders being traditionally conceptualised as categorical or dimensional models. While psychiatry has shifted its focus to a more biological approach, social factors still have an important role in crosscultural diagnosis, psychiatric disorders relating to social deprivation, rehabilitation and enabling social inclusion. The degree to which society is willing to accept people with mental health problems has an obvious impact on their quality of life. We live in a period of cataclysmic social changes with disastrous wars, increased poverty and growing income inequality. The consequences on mental health are phenomenal with epidemics of self-harm and suicidality, higher rates of depression, and intensifying diagnosis of mood and conduct disorders in children and young adults. Other adversities include the disproportional number of people with mental health problems in prisons and penal institutions, the massive escalation of dementia sufferers and the shortcomings of the aspirations of community mental health care. In addition, there is an escalating social pathology with significant numbers of refugees and asylum seekers and rising numbers of homeless particularly in urban areas of the developed world. We should not, however, overlook the better rates of treatment for mental health problems, the emphasis on human rights, the empowerment and the service users' participation and the development in global mental health. All these social factors are important to contemporary psychiatry presenting complex challenges and demanding urgent attention and action.6 There is a need to embrace the development of evidence-based mental health services and a pluralistic approach, which balances appropriately the relevance of biological, psychological and social factors associated with mental health problems. The concept Meta-Community mental health builds on the successes of biological, psychological, social and community psychiatry.7 It incorporates neurosciences, sociology, psychology and anthropology and is delivered wherever the evidence shows that it makes a difference, whether in community or hospital, prisons, schools, court-room, place of work, refugee camp or battle-front. New technologies should be included for public information and education together with e-mental health, training of providers, tele-psychiatry and self-help methods delivered via IT. The boundaries of mental health are enlarging very rapidly and indeed new stakeholders and partners should be welcomed. This opens exciting possibilities but also creates some risks and strong evidence base should continue to guide us. Likelihood of finding early diagnostic and individualized treatment for psychosis, autism and dementia are likely to be of high financial cost. The importance of the social challenges of modern psychiatry was recognised by including mental health for the first time in the New Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations that will determine the global development by 2030 aiming at the promotion of life expectancy for all.8 Strengthening the prevention and treatment of mental health problems is a massive task for sustainable development as mental health has a direct impact on the whole range of Sustainable Development Goals.

The Mental Health Advice Centre in Lewisham

Psychiatric disorders in the community are very common and most are dealt with by GPs, only a small proportion reaching psychiatrists (Goldberg and Huxley, 1980; Shepherd et al, 1981). It has been suggested that a large proportion of the psychiatric problems seen by GPs are intimately related to adverse life events and difficulties (Ingham, 1981; Tennant et al, 1981).

Adolescents with a learning disability

The adolescents (n=57, age 13–19 years) attending the special schools for moderate and severe learning disabilities in a South East London health district and their families were assessed. The mothers of adolescents with severe learning disabilities in the transitional stage to adult services and development reported greater behaviour problems in their offspring, greater stress, more negative psycho-social family effects and more negative attitudes. Implications of the results for interventions, needs assessment and future research in family and adolescent functioning and the origins of psychiatric morbidity in young people with learning disabilities were discussed.

Staff perception on reduction of medication in patients with chronic schizophrenia

This exploratory study assessed staff perceptions to the reduction of maintenance neuroleptic medication in patients with chronic schizophrenia living in a long-stay hospital. Ten in-patients were assessed at regular times over six months. In addition to the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), data were obtained from nursing staff on patients' ward behaviour (Ward Behaviour Interview Schedule, WBIS), clinical global opinion (CGI) and staff reaction (SR) to the reduction of medication plan. The average decrease of BPRS and WBIS was not related to keyworker's clinical global impression. The SR increased against the reduction of medication over the study period (P<0.05). Staff perceptions in the treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenia and their possible influence on prescribed closes should be taken into consideration in addition to psychopathology and clinical symptoms.

Reclassification of Mzabimyces algeriensis Saker et al. 2015 as Halopolyspora algeriensis comb. nov

Halopolyspora alba AFM10251T was proposed to represent a novel species of a new genus belonging to the family Actinopolysporaceae in a previous study. The family Mzabimycetaceae , containing one genus, Mzabimyces, was proposed subsequently and Mzabimyces algeriensis H195T was the type strain. However, analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity showed that the two strains were highly similar (99.2 %). Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed that the two strains are different genomic species of the same genus, Halopolyspora. Mzabimyces algeriensis should be classified in the genus Halopolyspora as Halopolysporaalgeriensis comb. nov. The type strain of Halopolysporaalgeriensis is H195T (=DSM 46680T=CECT 8575T).

Saccharothrix ghardaiensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil

The taxonomic position of a new Saccharothrix strain, designated MB46^T, isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, South Algeria) was established following a polyphasic approach. The novel microorganism has morphological and chemical characteristics typical of the members of the genus Saccharothrix and formed a phyletic line at the periphery of the Saccharothrix espanaensis subcluster in the 16S rRNA gene dendrograms. Results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain MB46^T shares high degrees of similarity with S. espanaensis DSM 44229^T (99.2%), Saccharothrix variisporea DSM 43911^T (98.7%) and Saccharothrix texasensis NRRL B-16134^T (98.6%). However, the new strain exhibited only 12.5-17.5% DNA relatedness to the neighbouring Saccharothrix spp. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridizations, strain MB46^T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix ghardaiensis sp. nov. (type strain MB46^T = DSM 46886^T = CECT 9046^T) is proposed.

Planomonospora algeriensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from a Saharan soil of Algeria

A filamentous actinobacterium, designated strain PM3^T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-Abbès, Béchar (South-West Algeria). A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to establish the status of strain PM3^T. The isolate was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomical properties associated with members of the genus Planomonospora. The new isolated microorganism developed cylindrical sporangia arranged in double parallel rows on aerial mycelium, each one containing a motile single sporangiospore. The cell wall of the strain was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates were found to contain madurose, glucose, mannose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-9(H₂) (69.6%). The polar lipids detected were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxyethanolamine and glucosamine-containing lipids. The major fatty acids were found to be C_17:1ω9c (38.6%) and C_17:0 (24.2%). Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain PM3^T shared a high degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Planomonospora sphaerica DSM 44632^T (99.3%), Planomonospora parontospora subsp. parontospora DSM 43177^T (99.2%) and P. parontospora subsp. antibiotica DSM 43869^T (99.0%). DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain PM3^T and the type strains of the closely related species were between 58.4 and 70.1%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data support the conclusion that strain PM3^T represents a novel species of the genus Planomonospora, for which the name Planomonospora algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PM3^T (=DSM 46752^T = CECT 9047^T).

Saccharothrix isguenensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from desert soil

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated MB27T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, South Algeria). Strain MB27T was characterized following a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This strain produced a branched and fragmented substrate mycelium, which was found to have a yellowish orange colour. A white scanty aerial mycelium was produced on most media tested. Chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies clearly demonstrated that strain MB27T belongs to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and is closely related to the genus Saccharothrix. Cell-wall hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid but not glycine, and whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose, ribose and small amounts of mannose and rhamnose. The detected phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. Mycolic acids were not detected while the predominant fatty acid was iso-branched hexadecanoate (iso-C16 : 0). The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain MB27T shairs the highest degree of similarity with Saccharothrix ecbatanensis DSM 45486T (99.8%), Saccharothrix hoggarensis DSM 45457T (99.3 %), Saccharothrix longispora DSM 43749T (98.6 %) and Saccharothrix yanglingensis DSM 45665T (98.6 %). However, it exhibited only 11-42 % DNA-DNA relatedness to the neighbouring Saccharothrixspecies. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain MB27T is shown to represent a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix isguenensis sp. nov. (type strain MB27T=DSM 46885T=CECT 9045T) is proposed.

Actinophytocola algeriensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil

During our investigations of new actinobacterial taxa, a novel actinobacterial strain, designated MB20^T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample, collected in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, southern Algeria). In order to reveal its taxonomic position, the novel strain was characterized following a polyphasic taxonomic approach. It was noticed that strain MB20^T produced white, branched and fragmented substrate mycelium with no aerial mycelium on most of the media tested. Chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies clearly demonstrated that strain MB20^T belonged to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and was closely related to the genus Actinophytocola. Cell-wall hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid but not glycine, and whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose and ribose. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Mycolic acids were not detected while the predominant fatty acid was found to be iso-branched hexadecanoate (iso-C16 : 0). The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain MB20^T shared the highest degree of similarity with Actinophytocola gilvus DSM 45828^T (98.5 %), Actinophytocola corallina DSM 45659^T (98.0 %) and Actinophytocola timorensis DSM 45660^T (97.5 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed only 32.9 % similarity with A. timorensis, 23.7 % similarity with A. gilvus and 17.9 % similarity with A. corallina. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain MB20^T was revealed to be a representative of a novel species of the genus Actinophytocola, for which the name Actinophytocola algeriensis sp. nov. (type strain MB20^T =DSM 46746^T =CECT 8960^T) is proposed.

Actinomadura adrarensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated ACD12^T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Adrar province, southern Algeria. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Strain ACD12^T was observed to form extensively branched substrate mycelia. Aerial mycelium was absent or was weakly produced on all media tested, while spore chains were short with a hooked and irregular spiral form (2-3 turns). The dominant diaminopimelic acid isomer in the cell wall was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Glucose, ribose, galactose, mannose and madurose occured in whole-cell hydrolysates. The major phospholipid was diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H6). The fatty acid profile was characterized by the presence of C16 : 0, C17 : 0, C15 : 0, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 cis9 and iso-C16 : 0. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain ACD12^T shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Actinomadura sputi DSM 45233^T (98.3 %) and Actinomadura hallensis DSM 45043^T (97.8 %). All tree-making algorithms used also supported strain ACD12^T forming a distinct clade with its most closely related species. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization indicated only 39.8 % relatedness with A. sputi DSM 45233^T and 18.7 % relatedness with A. hallensis DSM 45043^T. The combined phenotypic and genotypic data show that the novel isolate represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura adrarensis sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain ACD12^T (=DSM 46745^T =CECT 8842^T).

Streptosporangium becharense sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from desert soil

The taxonomic position of a novel actinobacterium, strain SG1^T, isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-Abbès, Béchar (south-west Algeria), was established by using a polyphasic approach. The micro-organism had morphological and chemical features that were consistent with its classification in the genus Streptosporangium. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose and glucose, but not madurose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H4). The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxymethylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxyethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C17 : 1ω8c, iso-C16 : 0, 10-methyl C17 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C17 : 0. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis supported the classification of the isolate in the genus Streptosporangium and indicated that it was related most closely to 'Streptosporangium subfuscum' DSM 46724 (99.7 % similarity), Streptosporangium pseudovulgare DSM 43181^T (98.7 %), Streptosporangium fragile DSM 43847^T (98.6 %) and Streptosporangium sandarakinum DSM 45763^T (98.5 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SG1^T formed a cluster with its closest relative 'S. subfuscum' DSM 46724. However, DNA-DNA relatedness as well as physiological and chemotaxonomical analyses showed that strain SG1^T could be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that strain SG1^T should be classified as representing a novel species in the genus Streptosporangium, for which the name Streptosporangiumbecharense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG1^T (=DSM 46887^T=CECT 8961^T).

Streptosporangium saharense sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SG20T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-isguen (Mzab), Ghardaïa province, southern Algeria. The micro-organism developed small roundish sporangia on aerial mycelium that were sessile or carried by very short sporangiophores. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars comprised glucose, ribose and mannose, but madurose was not detected. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H2). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0. The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and unknown lipids. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the novel strain resembled those of recognized members of the genus Streptosporangium. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis based on a 16S rRNA gene sequence generated from the strain identified its closest relative as Streptosporangium jomthongense BCC 53154T (98.5 % similarity), which produces single spores on aerial mycelium, but no sporangia. In hybridization experiments, the DNA-DNA relatedness values recorded between strain SG20T and S. jomthongense DSM 46822T fell well below 70 %. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain SG20T can be distinguished as representing a novel species of the genus Streptosporangium, for which the name Streptosporangium saharense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG20T ( = DSM 46743T = CECT 8840T).

Thermoactinomyces khenchelensis sp. nov., a filamentous bacterium isolated from soil sediment of a terrestrial hot spring

A novel thermophilic filamentous bacterium, designated strain T36(T), was isolated from soil sediment sample from a hot spring source collected in Khenchela province, Algeria. Strain T36(T) was identified as a member of the genus Thermoactinomyces by a polyphasic approach. Strain T36(T) was observed to form white aerial mycelium and non-coloured to pale yellow substrate mycelium, both producing endospores, sessile or borne by short sporophores. The optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 37-55 °C and 7.0-9.0, respectively and the optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 0-7 % (w/v). The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone of strain T36(T) was identified as MK-7 (H0). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0. The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphoglycolipid. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain T36(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Thermoactinomyces. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the sequence similarities between strain T36(T) and Thermoactinomyces species with validly published names were less than 98 %. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain T36(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Thermoactinomyces khenchelensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T36(T) (=DSM 45951(T) = CECT 8579(T)).

Streptosporangium algeriense sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from desert soil

The taxonomic position of a novel actinobacterium, strain 169^T, isolated from a sample of Algerian Saharan soil, was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The aerial mycelium produced non-motile, round- to oval-shaped spores, with a smooth surface, which were sessile or carried by short sporophores. Chemotaxonomically, isolate 169^T showed the same results as members of the genus Streptosporangium, but madurose, the so far diagnostic sugar of the genus, was not detected in the whole-cell hydrolysate. Despite the absence of sporangia, the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain 169^T was a member of the genus Streptosporangium. Strain 169^T was most closely related to Streptosporangium jomthongense NBRC 110047^T (99.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), which is the only non-sporangia-forming species reported among the genus. However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies with this species showed 60 % relatedness. Based upon genotypic and phenotypic data, a novel species, Streptosporangium algeriense sp. nov., is proposed, with 169^T ( = DSM 45455^T = MTCC 11561^T = CCUG 62974^T) as the type strain.

Actinomadura algeriensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil

During the course of a screening programme for new taxa of actinobacteria, a strain designated ACD1(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil in the Hoggar region (Algeria). The taxonomic position of this strain was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to form extensively branched, non-fragmenting substrate mycelium, and aerial mycelium with straight to flexuous, hooked and irregular spirals (1-2 turns) forming short chains of spores. The diamino acid present in the cell wall is meso-diaminopimelic acid. Galactose, glucose, madurose, mannose and ribose occur in whole-cell hydrolysates. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The major menaquinones were identified as MK-9 (H4) and MK-9 (H2). The major fatty acids were found to be C16:0, C18:1 cis9, iso-C16:0 and 10-methyl C18:0. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain belongs to the genus Actinomadura, and is closely related to Actinomadura sediminis DSM 45500(T) (98.5 % similarity) and Actinomadura cremea subsp. cremea DSM 43676(T) (98.3 % similarity). However, DNA-DNA hybridization revealed only 48.0 % relatedness with A. sediminis DSM 45500(T) and 33.2 % relatedness with A. cremea subsp. cremea DSM 43676(T). The combined phenotypic and genotypic data showed that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain ACD1(T) (= DSM 46744(T) = CECT 8841(T)).

Mental health services commissioning and provision: Lessons from the UK?

The commissioning and provision of healthcare, including mental health services, must be consistent with ethical principles - which can be summarised as being "fair", irrespective of the method chosen to deliver care. They must also provide value to both patients and society in general. Value may be defined as the ratio of patient health outcomes to the cost of service across the whole care pathway. Particularly in difficult times, it is essential to keep an open mind as to how this might be best achieved. National and regional policies will necessarily vary as they reflect diverse local histories, cultures, needs and preferences. As systems of commissioning and delivering mental health care vary from country to country, there is the opportunity to learn from others. In the future international comparisons may help identify policies and systems that can work across nations and regions. However a persistent problem is the lack of clear evidence over cost and quality delivered by different local or national models. The best informed economists, when asked about the international evidence do not provide clear answers, stating that it depends how you measure cost and quality, the national governance model and the level of resources. The UK has a centrally managed system funded by general taxation, known as the National Health Service (NHS). Since 2010, the UK's new Coalition* government has responded by further reforming the system of purchasing and providing NHS services - aiming to strengthen choice and competition between providers on the basis of quality and outcomes as well as price. Although the present coalition government's intention is to maintain a tax-funded system, free at the point of delivery, introducing market-style purchasing and provider-side reforms to encompass all of these bring new risks, whilst not pursuing reforms of a system in crisis is also seen to carry risks. Competition might bring efficiency, but may weaken cooperation between providers, and transparency too. On the other hand, it is hard to implement necessary governance and control without worsening bureaucracy and inefficiency. The pursuit of market efficiencies has been particularly contentious in mental health care, where many professionals are defensive about the risks to vulnerable patients and to traditional ways of professional working. Developments and debates in the UK may be instructive for others. We conclude this paper with a set of questions that may help inform debate and evaluation of mental health services internationally.

SACCHAROTHRIX SP. ABH26, A NEW ACTINOBACTERIAL STRAIN FROM ALGERIAN SAHARAN SOIL: ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

A new strain of actinobacteria, designated ABH26, was isolated from a Saharan soil in the Adrar region (Algeria), by the dilution agar plating method using a chitin-vitamins B medium supplemented with polymyxin and penicillin. The morphological studies showed that this strain represents a member of the Saccharothrix genus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this strain had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 97.63% (with Saccharothrix violaceirubra NBRC 102064T) to 99.86% (with Saccharothrix xinjiangensis NBRC 101911T). Furthermore, strain ABH26 presented a strong activity against mycotoxigenic and phytopathogenic fungi including Aspergillus carbonarius (M333), A. flavus (NRRL 3251), A. westerdijkiae (ATCC 3174), Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini (Fol) and F. solani (Fsol). Additionally, the strain exhibited an important antimicrobial activity against many strains of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (M2, M3 and IPA200) and against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA 639c). Thus, four solvents (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) were used for the extraction of produced antibiotic compounds. The highest antimicrobial activities were obtained using the butanolic extract. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) method showed two bioactive spots, named HAD1 and HAD2, which were reveled negatively by using chemical revelators (ninhydrin, naphtoresorcinol-sulfuric acid, ferrous iron chloride and formaldehyde-sulfuric). These results indicated the absence of amine group, sugar, hydroxamic acid, phenol and aromatic compound.

Actinoalloteichus hoggarensis sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from Saharan soil

A moderately halophilic actinomycete strain, designated AH97T, was isolated from Saharan soil in the Hoggar region (south Algeria) and was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of the genus Actinoalloteichus. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain AH97T shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Actinoalloteichus hymeniacidonis DSM 45092T (99.3 %) and Actinoalloteichus nanshanensis DSM 45655T (98.7 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed only 26.5 % relatedness with A. hymeniacidonis DSM 45092T and 28.0 % with A. nanshanensis DSM 45655T. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain AH97T represents a novel species of the genus Actinoalloteichus, for which the name Actinoalloteichus hoggarensis sp. nov. is proposed, with AH97T ( = DSM 45943T = CECT 8639T) as the type strain.

Prauserella isguenensis sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from desert soil

Two actinomycete strains, designated H225(T) and H137, were isolated from two soil samples collected from the arid region of Ahbas at Béni-Isguen (Mzab), located in the Algerian Sahara. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel strains should be assigned to the genus Prauserella of the family Pseudonocardiaceae , and they were therefore subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. These two strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and arabinose and galactose as major whole-cell sugars. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4), and the major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain H225(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, namely Prauserella flava DSM 45265(T), Prauserella alba DSM 44590(T), Prauserella aidingensis DSM 45266(T), Prauserella salsuginis DSM 45264(T) and Prauserella sediminis DSM 45267(T), were clearly below the 70% threshold used for species delineation. The genomic DNA G+C content of strains H225(T) and H137 was 70.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strains H225(T) and H137(T) are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Prauserella , for which the name Prauserella isguenensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H225(T) ( =DSM 46664(T) = CECT 8577(T)).

Saccharothrix tamanrassetensis sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from Saharan soil

Actinomycete strain SA198(T), isolated from a Saharan soil sample of Algeria, was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics observed suggested that it was a member of the genus Saccharothrix . The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain SA198(T) was a member of the genus Saccharothrix and showed a similarity level ranging between 97.5 and 98.9% within species of the genus Saccharothrix , Saccharothrix australiensis being the most closely related. However, DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain SA198(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, the type strains of S. australiensis , Saccharothrix xinjiangensis , Saccharothrix algeriensis and Saccharothrix espanaensis , were clearly below the 70% threshold. Based upon genotypic and phenotypic differences from other members of the genus, a novel species, Saccharothrix tamanrassetensis sp. nov., is proposed, with SA198(T) ( = DSM 45947(T) = CECT 8640(T)) as the type strain.

Nocardiopsis algeriensis sp. nov., an alkalitolerant actinomycete isolated from Saharan soil

An alkalitolerant actinomycete strain, designated B32(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Adrar province (South of Algeria), and then investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to produce short chains of spores on the dichotomous branched aerial mycelium and formed a fragmented substrate mycelium. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 0-5 % (w/v) and the optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 25-35 °C and 7.0-10.0 °C, respectively. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones of strain B32(T) were identified as MK-10 (H4) and MK-11 (H4). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain B32(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Nocardiopsis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain B32(T) is most closely related to Nocardiopsis alba DSM 43377(T) (98.7 %), Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048(T) (98.6 %), Nocardiopsis aegyptia DSM 44442(T) (98.6 %), Nocardiopsis sinuspersici HM6(T) (98.6 %) and Nocardiopsis arvandica HM7(T) (98.5 %). However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain B32(T) and the closely related type strains were 17.9, 14.6, 31.1, 27.1 and 14.1 %, respectively. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain B32(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Nocardiopsis algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B32(T) (=DSM 45462(T) = CECT 8712(T)).

Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic filamentous actinobacterium isolated from a Saharan soil, and proposal of Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov

Three halophilic mycelium-forming actinobacteria, strains H195(T), H150 and H151, were isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-isguen in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, South of Algeria) and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterisation. These strains were observed to show an aerial mycelium differentiated into coccoid spore chains and fragmented substrate mycelium. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the highest sequence similarities were to Saccharopolyspora qijiaojingensis YIM 91168(T) (92.02 % to H195(T)). Phylogenetic analyses showed that the strains H195(T), H150 and H151 represent a distinct phylogenetic lineage. The cell-wall hydrolysate was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were identified as arabinose and galactose. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C17:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine and MK-9 (H4) was found to be the predominant menaquinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain H195(T) was 68.2 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, we propose that strain H195(T) represents a novel genus and species, Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family, Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov. The type strain of M. algeriensis is strain H195(T) (=DSM 46680(T) = MTCC 12101(T)).

Streptomonospora algeriensis sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from soil in Algeria

A halophilic actinomycete strain, designated H27(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hypersaline habitat in Djelfa Province (North-Central Algeria), and then investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to produce poor aerial mycelium, which formed short chains of oval to cylindrical-shaped spores at maturity, and non fragmented substrate mycelium. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 10-15 % (w/v) and the optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 28-37 °C and 6-7, respectively. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones of strain H27(T) were identified as MK-11 (H4) and MK-10 (H6). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0, 10 methyl C17:0 and 10 methyl C16:0. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain H27(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Streptomonospora. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain H27(T) is most closely related to Streptomonospora alba DSM 44588(T) (98.8 %) and Streptomonospora flavalba DSM 45155(T) (98.7 %) whereas the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain H27(T) and the two type strains were 17.1 and 57.9 %, respectively. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain H27(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Streptomonospora algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H27(T) (=DSM 45604(T) =CCUG 63369(T) =MTCC 11563(T)).

Actinopolyspora righensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete isolated from Saharan soil in Algeria

A novel halophilic actinomycete strain, H23(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Djamâa (Oued Righ region), El-Oued province, South Algeria. Strain H23(T) was identified as a member of the genus Actinopolyspora by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain H23(T) had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 97.8 % (Actinopolyspora xinjiangensis TRM 40136(T)) to 94.8 % (Actinopolyspora mortivallis DSM 44261(T)). The strain grew optimally at pH 6.0-7.0, 28-32 °C and in the presence of 15-25 % (w/v) NaCl. The substrate mycelium was well developed and fragmented with age. The aerial mycelium produced long, straight or flexuous spore chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced and rod-shaped spores. Strain H23(T) had MK-10 (H4) and MK-9 (H4) as the predominant menaquinones. The whole micro-organism hydrolysates mainly consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid, galactose and arabinose. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C17:0 (37.4 %), iso-C17:0 (14.8 %), iso-C15:0 (14.2 %), and iso-C16:0 (13.9 %). The genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora righensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H23(T) (=DSM 45501(T) = CCUG 63368(T) = MTCC 11562(T)).

Actinopolyspora mzabensis sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from an Algerian Saharan soil

A halophilic actinomycete strain, designated H55(T), was isolated from Saharan soil sampled in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, southern Algeria) and was characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the characteristic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-10(H4) and MK-9(H4). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Actinopolyspora, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain H55(T) was a member of this genus. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain H55(T) and the type strains of the nearest species of the genus Actinopolyspora, Actinopolyspora erythraea and A. alba, were clearly below the 70 % threshold. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the organism represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora mzabensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H55(T) ( = DSM 45460(T) = CCUG 62965(T)).

Saccharothrix saharensis sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from Algerian Saharan soil

The taxonomic position of a novel actinomycete, strain SA152(T), isolated from a sample of Algerian Saharan soil, was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain produced abundant aerial mycelium and fragmented substrate mycelium on most media tested. Chemotaxonomically and phylogenetically, the strain was related to the members of the genus Saccharothrix. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain SA152(T) shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Saccharothrix xinjiangensis NBRC 101911(T) (99.3 %) and Saccharothrix texasensis NRRL B-16134(T) (98.9 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed only 16.2 % relatedness with S. xinjiangensis DSM 44896(T) and 33.9 % relatedness with S. texasensis DSM 44231(T). Based upon genotypic and phenotypic differences from other members of the genus, a novel species, Saccharothrix saharensis sp. nov., is proposed, with SA152(T) ( = DSM 45456(T) = CCUG 60213(T)) as the type strain.