Laminaria japonica Extract, an Inhibitor of Clavibater michiganense Subsp. Sepedonicum

Bacterial ring rot of potato is one of the most serious potato plant and tuber diseases. Laminaria japonica extract was investigated for its antimicrobial activity against Clavibater michiganense subsp. sepedonicum (Spieckermann & Kotthoff) Davis et al., the causative agent of bacterial ring rot of potato. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions of antimicrobial substances from L. japonica were an extraction temperature of 80°C, an extraction time of 12 h, and a solid to liquid ratio of 1∶25. Active compounds of L. japonica were isolated by solvent partition, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography. All nineteen fractionations had antimicrobial activities against C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum, while Fractionation three (Fr.3) had the highest (P<0.05) antimicrobial activity. Chemical composition analysis identified a total of 26 components in Fr.3. The main constituents of Fr.3 were alkanes (80.97%), esters (5.24%), acids (4.87%) and alcohols (2.21%). Antimicrobial activity of Fr.3 against C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum could be attributed to its ability to damage the cell wall and cell membrane, induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, inhibit the glycolytic pathway (EMP) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis, and disrupt the normal cycle of DNA replication. These findings indicate that L. japonica extracts have potential for inhibiting C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum.

Colonization and movement of GFP-labeled Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis during tomato infection

The vascular pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is responsible for bacterial wilt and canker of tomato. Pathogenicity of this bacterium is dependent on plasmid-borne virulence factors and serine proteases located on the chromosomal chp/tomA pathogenicity island (PAI). In this study, colonization patterns and movement of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis during tomato infection was examined using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled strain. A plasmid expressing GFP in C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis was constructed and found to be stable in planta for at least 1 month. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) of inoculated stems showed that the pathogen extensively colonizes the lumen of xylem vessels and preferentially attaches to spiral secondary wall thickening of the protoxylem. Acropetal movement of the wild-type strain C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis NCPPB382 (Cmm382) in tomato resulted in an extensive systemic colonization of the whole plant reaching the apical region after 15 days, whereas Cmm100 (lacking the plasmids pCM1 and pCM2) or Cmm27 (lacking the chp/tomA PAI) remained confined to the area surrounding of the inoculation site. Cmm382 formed biofilm-like structures composed of large bacterial aggregates on the interior of xylem walls as observed by CLSM and scanning electron microscopy. These findings suggest that virulence factors located on the chp/tomA PAI or the plasmids are required for effective movement of the pathogen in tomato and for the formation of cellular aggregates.

Responses of environmental Amycolatopsis strains to copper stress

Copper is a redox-active metal, which acts as a catalyst in the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) encouraging oxidative stress. Protection against oxidants is intrinsic to every living cell; however, in stress conditions, cells are forced to increase and expand their antioxidative network. In this work, the novel copper-resistant strain Amycolatopsis tucumanensis and the copper-sensitive Amycolatopsis eurytherma were grown under copper increasing concentrations in order to elucidate the dissimilar effects of the metal on the strains viability, mainly on morphology and antioxidant capacity. Although biosorbed copper encouraged ROS production in a dose-dependent manner in both strains, the increase in ROS production from the basal level to the stress conditions in A. tucumanensis is lesser than in the copper-sensitive strain; likewise, in presence of copper A. eurytherma suffered inexorable morphological alteration while A. tucumanensis was not affected. The levels of antioxidant enzymes and metallothioneins (MT) were all greater in A. tucumanensis than in A. eurytherma; in addition MT levels as well as superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin reductase activities in A. tucumanensis, were higher as higher the concentration of copper in the culture medium. This work has given evidence that an efficient antioxidant defense system might aid microorganisms to survive in copper-stress conditions; besides it constitutes the first report of oxidative stress study in the genus Amycolatopsis and contributes to enlarge the knowledge on the copper-resistance mechanisms of A. tucumanensis.

Nonomuraea candida sp. nov., a new species from South African soil

A novel actinomycete, strain HMC10(T), was isolated from a soil sample taken from the banks of the Gamka River in the Swartberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Strain HMC10(T) was identified as a member of the genus Nonomuraea by a polyphasic approach. Strain HMC10(T) could be differentiated from other members of the genus Nonomuraea on the basis of physiology and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. DNA-DNA hybridization further differentiated strain HMC10(T) from its nearest phylogenetic neighbour, Nonomuraea turkmeniaca NRRL B-16246(T) (4.5 +/- 3.8% DNA relatedness). Strain HMC10(T) exhibited weak antibiosis against Mycobacterium aurum A+, but none against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv(T). The name Nonomuraea candida is proposed, with the type strain HMC10(T) (= DSM 45086(T) = NRRL B-24552(T)).

Bioactive endophytic streptomycetes from the Malay Peninsula

Three novel endophytic streptomycetes have been isolated and characterized from plants with ethnobotanical uses on the Malay Peninsula including: Thottea grandiflora (family -Aristolochiaceae), Polyalthia spp. (family -Annonaceae), and Mapania sp. (family -Cyperaceae). Each isolate, as studied by scanning electron microscopy, has small hyphae, and produces typical barrel-shaped spores arising by hyphal fragmentation. Interestingly, although none has any detectable antibacterial killing properties, each has demonstrable killing activity against one or more pathogenic fungi including organisms such as Phytophthora erythroseptica, Pythium ultimum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Mycosphaerella fijiensis and Rhizoctonia solani. Molecular biological studies on the rRNA gene sequence of each isolate revealed that it is distinct from all other genetic accessions of streptomyectes in GenBank, and each bears some genetic similarity to other streptomycetes. The bioactivity of each microbe was extractable in various organic solvents.

Degradation of polyethylene succinate (PES) by a new thermophilic Microbispora strain

Thermophilic actinomycetes were isolated from sediment of the Chingshuei hot spring in north Taiwan, and the strain HS 45-1 was selected from colonies which formed distinct clear zones on agar plate with emulsified polyethylene succinate (PES). The film of PES disappeared within 6 days in liquid cultures at 50 degrees C. The strain HS 45-1 was also able to degrade poly (epsilon-carpolactone) (PCL) and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) films completely within 6 days in liquid cultures. Basing on the results of phynotypic characteristics, phylogenetic studies and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain HS 45-1 should be assigned to Micorbispora rosea subsp. taiwanensis.

Actinospica robiniae gen. nov., sp. nov. and Actinospica acidiphila sp. nov.: proposal for Actinospicaceae fam. nov. and Catenulisporinae subord. nov. in the order Actinomycetales

Two novel Gram-positive, acidophilic bacterial strains were isolated from forest soil. According to their 16S rRNA gene sequences, these strains are related closely to each other and form a distinct cluster within the order Actinomycetales. They show the typical features of filamentous actinomycetes, with branched vegetative hyphae and production of aerial hyphae. The distinct phylogenetic positions and the combination of chemotaxonomic characteristics of these strains justify the proposal of Actinospica gen. nov. Both strains display 3-hydroxydiaminopimelic acid plus traces of meso-diaminopimelic acid, the phospholipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, methylphosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, the predominant cellular fatty acids i-C15 : 0, i-C16 : 0 and ai-C15 : 0 and the whole-cell sugars mannose and rhamnose. They differ in the fatty acid profiles, in the quantitative ratios of the major menaquinones MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8) and in the occurrence of additional whole-cell sugars (arabinose and xylose in strain GE134766T and galactose in strain GE134769T). Differences in the phenotypic characteristics and in the 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest the description of two species, Actinospica robiniae gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species) and Actinospica acidiphila sp. nov., with the type strains GE134769T (=DSM 44927T=NRRL B-24432T) and GE134766T (=DSM 44926T=NRRL B-24431T), respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strains GE134769T and GE134766T are 70.8 and 69.2 mol%, respectively. Due to the large phylogenetic distance from known actinomycete genera, it is proposed to accommodate Actinospica gen. nov. in Actinospicaceae fam. nov. In addition, Catenulisporineae subord. nov. is proposed to harbour Actinospicaceae fam. nov. and the newly proposed family Catenulisporaceae, described in the accompanying paper.

Antimicrobial compounds produced by Actinomadura sp. AC104 isolated from an Algerian Saharan soil

During a search for nonpolyenic antifungal antibiotics, an actinomycete designated AC104 was isolated from a Saharan soil sample by a dilution agar plating method using a chitin - vitamins B medium supplemented with rifampicin. Isolate AC104 presented the morphological and the chemical characteristics of the genus Actinomadura. On the basis of 76 physiological tests and 16S rDNA analysis, this isolate was determined to be quite different from the known species of Actinomadura. It is active against filamentous fungi and both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The production of antibiotic substances was investigated using several culture media. The highest antimicrobial activities were obtained on ISP2 medium. The benzenic extract contained five bioactive spots detected on thin layer chromatography plates. Among these antibiotics, a complex called 104A, which showed the more interesting antifungal activity, was selected and purified by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. This complex is composed of four compounds. Ultraviolet-visible, infrared, mass, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies showed that these molecules contain an aromatic ring substituted by aliphatic chains. These compounds differ from the known antibiotics produced by Actinomadura species.

Kineococcus marinus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment of the coast of Jeju, Korea

A novel marine actinomycete, designated strain KST3-3T, which was isolated from a sediment sample of the coast of Jeju, Korea, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The organism was characterized morphologically by the formation of motile, coccoid cells. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that the organism was related to the genera Kineosporia and Kineococcus, and members of the suborder Frankineae, and occupied the deepest branch outside a taxon encompassing members of the genus Kineococcus. The organism showed relatively low levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the genera Kineococcus (93.0–93.4 %) and Kineosporia (93.1–93.8 %). The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, albeit with a slightly higher level of sequence similarity to members of the genus Kineosporia, supported its classification within the genus Kineococcus. On the basis of the polyphasic data presented, it was evident that the organism should be assigned to a novel species of the genus Kineococcus, for which the name Kineococcus marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain KST3-3T (=KCCM 42250T=NRRL B-24439T).

Goodfellowia gen. nov., a new genus of the Pseudonocardineae related to Actinoalloteichus, containing Goodfellowia coeruleoviolacea gen. nov., comb. nov

During the course of a phylogenetic evaluation of Saccharothrix strains held in the ARS Culture Collection, it was discovered that Saccharothrix coeruleoviolacea NRRL B-24058T is unrelated to other species within this genus, and a polyphasic study was undertaken to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain NRRL B-24058T is observed to be phylogenetically separate from the genus Saccharothrix and is most closely related to the genus Actinoalloteichus. The strain exhibits chemotaxonomic properties that distinguish it from members of Actinoalloteichus, including a whole-cell sugar pattern consisting of galactose and ribose as diagnostic sugars, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine containing 2-OH fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol as the predominant polar lipids and MK-9(H4) and MK-10(H4) as the only menaquinones observed. Strain NRRL B-24058T is distinct from other taxa within the suborder Pseudonocardineae and a new genus to be named Goodfellowia gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of this new genus is Goodfellowia coeruleoviolacea gen. nov., comb. nov., and the type strain is NRRL B-24058T (=DSM 43935T=INA 3564T=JCM 9110T=NBRC 14988T=VKM Ac-1083T).

Oryzihumus leptocrescens gen. nov., sp. nov

Three novel strains were isolated from a soil sample collected in Japan using GPM agar plates supplemented with superoxide dismutase and/or catalase. The strains were Gram-positive, catalase-positive, irregular rod-shaped bacteria with meso-diaminopimelic acid as a peptidoglycan diagnostic diamino acid, and the acyl type of the peptidoglycan was acetyl. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). Mycolic acids were not detected. The G+C content of the DNA was 72–73 mol%. On the basis of morphological and chemotaxonomic properties and a phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences, these strains were classified as a novel genus and species, Oryzihumus leptocrescens gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Intrasporangiaceae of the order Actinomycetales. The type strain is KV-628T (=NRRL B-24347T=JCM 12835T=NBRC 100762T).

Microbacterium oleivorans sp. nov. and Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans sp. nov., novel crude-oil-degrading Gram-positive bacteria

A taxonomic study of two crude-oil-degrading, Gram-positive bacterial strains, designated BAS69T and BNP48T, revealed that they represent two novel Microbacterium species. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to their closest phylogenetic neighbours was 98·5 % for BAS69T (Microbacterium paraoxydans DSM 15019T and Microbacterium saperdae DSM 20169T) and 99 % for BNP48T (Microbacterium luteolum DSM 20143T). Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness to the closest phylogenetic neighbours of both strains were between 11 and 38 %. According to phylogenetic analysis, the two strains are distinguishable from all recognized species of Microbacterium. Morphological and physiological characteristics of strains BAS69T and BNP48T were different from those of phylogenetically closely related Microbacterium species. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan of BAS69T is lysine and of BNP48T is ornithine. The major menaquinones are MK-11 and MK-12 for both strains. Based on their ability to degrade crude oil, the name Microbacterium oleivorans sp. nov. is proposed for strain BAS69T (=DSM 16091T=NCIMB 14003T) and Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans is proposed for strain BNP48T (=DSM 16089T=NCIMB 14002T).

Zimmermannella helvola gen. nov., sp. nov., Zimmermannella alba sp. nov., Zimmermannella bifida sp. nov., Zimmermannella faecalis sp. nov. and Leucobacter albus sp. nov., novel members of the family Microbacteriaceae

Seven strains of actinobacteria, isolated from soil, wounds, urine, cow faeces, human blood and butter, were characterized by a polyphasic approach to clarify their taxonomic position. On the basis of chemotaxonomy, 16S rRNA gene analysis and DNA relatedness, strain IAM 14851T can be classified within the cluster of the genus Leucobacter and is proposed as a novel species, Leucobacter albus sp. nov., with strain IAM 14851T (=TISTR 1515T) as the type strain. The other six strains formed a phylogenetically separate branch in the family Microbacteriaceae, having the following characteristics: the major menaquinones are MK-8 to MK-10, the DNA G + C content ranges from 62 to 68 mol%, the diamino acid in the cell wall is diaminobutyric acid and the muramic acid in the peptidoglycan is of the acetyl type. The major fatty acids are 12-methyltetradecanoic acid (anteiso-C(15 : 0)), hexadecanoic acid (C(16 : 0)), 14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid (iso-C(16 : 0)) and 14-methyl-hexadecanoic acid (anteiso-C(17 : 0)). On the basis of morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, together with DNA-DNA hybridization and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison, the novel genus Zimmermannella gen. nov. is proposed for these six strains. Four novel species are proposed: Zimmermannella helvola sp. nov. (type species; type strain IAM 14726T = NBRC 15775T = DSM 20419T = TISTR 1509T), Zimmermannella alba sp. nov. (type strain IAM 14724T = NBRC 15616T = TISTR 1510T), Zimmermannella bifida sp. nov. (type strain IAM 14848T = TISTR 1511T) and Zimmermannella faecalis sp. nov. (type strain IAM 15030T = NBRC 15706T = ATCC 13722T = TISTR 1514T).

Saccharothrix algeriensis sp. nov., isolated from Saharan soil

The taxonomic position of a soil isolate, strain SA 233T, recovered from Saharan soil from Algeria was established using a polyphasic approach. This isolate has been previously reported to produce three novel dithiolopyrrolone antibiotics, and preliminary chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics suggested that it was representative of a member of the genus Saccharothrix. Phylogenetic analysis of the strain from 16S rDNA sequences, along with a detailed analysis of morphological, chemotaxonomic and physiological characteristics, indicates that it belongs to the genus Saccharothrix and represents a novel species that is readily distinguished from all recognized Saccharothrix species. The name Saccharothrix algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed for the isolate, with type strain SA 233T (=NRRL B-24137T=DSM 44581T).

Amycolatopsis decaplanina sp. nov., a novel member of the genus with unusual morphology

Strain DSM 44594T, which produces the glycopeptide antibiotic decaplanin, is a member of the genus Amycolatopsis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and chemotaxonomic properties. It is the first member of this genus that is reported to form pseudosporangia, which resemble those of members of the genus Kibdelosporangium. Phylogenetically, the novel taxon is related to Amycolatopsis orientalis, Amycolatopsis lurida, Amycolatopsis azurea, Amycolatopsis japonica and Amycolatopsis keratiniphila. Morphological, cultural and physiological properties, the production of a unique glycolipid and DNA-DNA similarity of <55% with phylogenetically related strains reveal that strain DSM 44594T represents a novel species of the genus, for which the name Amycolatopsis decaplanina sp. nov. (type strain, FH 1845T=DSM 44594T=NRRL B-24209T) is proposed.

Blastococcus saxobsidens sp. nov., and emended descriptions of the genus Blastococcus Ahrens and Moll 1970 and Blastococcus aggregatus Ahrens and Moll 1970

Ten Gram-positive, aerobic bacterial strains with coccoid cells occurring singly, in pairs, tetrads and small aggregates were isolated from the surface of marble and calcareous stones. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The cellular fatty acid pattern consisted mainly of iso-branched chain components. According to their phylogenetic position, the organisms are members of the family Geodermatophilaceae, clustering close to Blastococcus aggregatus DSM 4725T. Based on a combination of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, strain BC444T and seven relatives group apart from strains BC412 (=DSM 44517) and BC521 (=DSM 44518), which themselves form two individual lineages. DNA-DNA reassociation studies revealed that members of the three lineages were only remotely related to B. aggregatus DSM 4725T; as the strain-rich cluster containing BC444T shared low DNA similarity values with strains BC412 and BC521, it will be described as a novel species of Blastococcus, for which the name Blastococcus saxobsidens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BC444T (=DSM 44509T=NRRL 24246T).

Poly(L-lactide) degradation by Saccharothrix waywayandensis

Poly(L-lactide) (PLA) was degraded by more than 95 mg from 100 mg PLA film by an actinomycete, Saccharothrix waywayandensis, growing in 100 ml liquid culture containing 0.1% (w/v) gelatin. In addition to degrading PLA, this strain assimilated the major degradation product of PLA, L-lactic acid.

Three new antibiotic producing species of the genus Amycolatopsis, Amycolatopsis balhimycina sp. nov., A. tolypomycina sp. nov., A. vancoresmycina sp. nov., and description of Amycolatopsis keratiniphila subsp. keratiniphila subsp. nov. and A. keratiniphila subsp. nogabecina subsp. nov

Screening of Indian soils for strains producing antibiotics active against methicillin resistant staphylococci resulted in the isolation of the actinomycetes FH 1894T, ST 101170T, and FH 1893T, producing novel glycopeptide antibiotics and a polyenic compound, respectively. Studies of the cellular fatty acids and the absence of mycolic acids as well as the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the producers indicated their membership to the genus Amycolatopsis. Comparison of genomic and metabolic properties of these strains with known species of this genus indicated that they represent new species for which the names Amycolatopsis balhimycina (type strain FH 1894T, DSM 44591T) and Amycolatopsis vancoresmycina (type strain ST 101170T, DSM 44592T) are proposed. The producer of the antibiotic Tolypomycin, strain IFO 14664T, representing the invalid species "Amycolatopsis tolypophorus", was also included in this investigation. As this strain was found to represent a valid species of the genus Amycolatopsis the name Amycolatopsis tolypomycina is proposed for this species, with the type strain IFO 14664T (DSM 44544T). The producer of the antibiotic Nogabecin, strain FH 1893T, was found to be closely related to the type strain of A. keratiniphila DSM 44409T which justifies the description of two subspecies of this species, A. keratiniphila subsp. keratiniphila DSM 44409T and A. keratiniphila subsp. nogabecina DSM 44586T.

Surface structures of new and lesser known species of thermobifida as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

Surface structures of representatives of the genus Thermobifida were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Spores formed at the tips of multibranched sporophores initially resembled short sausages; then, upon maturation, they gradually built up their typical ovoid shape. Characteristic differences were observed between T. cellulolytica strain TB108 and T. fusca strains TM51. The spores of TB108 were larger (0.8x 1.3 microm) than those of TM51 (0.6 x 1.1 microm) in consequence of the more thickened outer squamous layer. When Thermobifida strains were grown on cellulose as sole carbon source, the mycelium was found to coil around the cellulose crystals and multiple protuberances emerged, resulting in a scabrous appearance to the mycelial surface. The presence of these cellulosome-like structures yielded a 24.5% surface enlargement of the scabrous mycelium as compared with the smooth one. The cellulosome emergence pattern paralleled the proportional increase in free endoglucanase activity measured during the culturing of these actinomycetes in the presence of cellulose.

Dietzia psychralcaliphila sp. nov., a novel, facultatively psychrophilic alkaliphile that grows on hydrocarbons

A novel, facultatively psychrophilic alkaliphile that grows on a chemically defined medium containing n-alkanes as the sole carbon source was isolated from a drain of a fish product-processing plant. The isolate was an aerobic, non-motile, gram-positive bacterium. The bacterium was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose; the glycan moiety of the cell wall contained acetyl residues. The G+C content of the DNA was 69.6 mol %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate was closely related to members of the genus Dietzia (96.1-96.8% similarity). Comparisons of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics between the isolate and the two known Dietzia species showed that they were very similar. However, the isolate differed from the two known Dietzia species in growth temperature range and certain physiological characteristics. DNA-DNA hybridization revealed that the isolate had 38.4 and 49.7% relatedness, respectively, to Dietzia maris and Dietzia natronolimnaea. On the basis of the physiological and biochemical characteristics, the phylogenetic position as determined by 16S rRNA gene analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness, it is concluded that the isolate should be designated as a novel species, for which the name Dietzia psychralcaliphila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ILA-1T (= JCM 10987T = IAM14896T = NCIMB 13777T).

Dermatophilus congolensis infection in goats in Tanzania

When goats in Eastern Tanzania were screened for skin diseases, Dermatophilus congolensis was isolated from the skin lesions in 8 of 484 animals examined. In one severely affected case, the disease was also characterized by histological studies (Gram stain, Giemsa stain and routine HE studies) and electron microscopy. The histological picture was characterized by hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, folliculitis and an inflammatory cellular reaction involving the epidermis. Gram stain and Giemsa stain revealed longitudinal and transverse branching filaments in the deeper layers of the epidermis. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated D. congolensis in various morphological forms, ranging from filamentous to tuber-shaped structures, mixed with numerous coccoid bodies of variable size. In some instances, the organisms were geometrically arranged in parallel rows of beading and were present in and among the degenerated epithelial cells. Several host cells showed degenerative changes. Ticks present on the goats were Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Rhipicephalus pravus and Boophilus sp. The clinical signs, pathological lesions, diagnosis, epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease are discussed.

Crossiella gen. nov., a new genus related to Streptoalloteichus

Phylogenetic analysis of the genera within the suborder Pseudonocardineae based on almost complete sequences of 16S rDNA showed that Saccharothrix cryophilis NRRL B-16238T was misplaced within the genus Saccharothrix. Saccharothrix cryophilis NRRL B-16238T appeared to be phylogenetically closest to Streptoalloteichus, but is morphologically distinct from this genus because sporangia with motile spores are not observed. The aerial mycelium fragments into rod-shaped elements and sclerotium-like bodies are observed occasionally in the substrate mycelium. The cell wall contains meso-diaminopimelic acid, whole-cell hydrolysates contain galactose, rhamnose and ribose, the phospholipid pattern is type PIV and the principal menaquinone is MK-9(H4). A new genus to accommodate Saccharothrix cryophilis is proposed, Crossiella gen. nov., in recognition of the contributions of Thomas Cross, a distinguished actinomycete biologist at the University of Bradford, UK. The type species is Crossiella cryophila gen. nov., comb. nov.

An integrated method for the enrichment and selective isolation of Actinokineospora spp. in soil and plant litter

AIMS

To devise and evaluate a method for isolating the rare, zoosporic actinomycetes, Actinokineospora spp. in soil and plant litter.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The newly developed method consists of two enrichment stages followed by plating on a selective medium. The source material is initially incubated with calcium carbonate to multiply the population of Actinokineospora spp., and is then air-dried. The second stage consists of rehydration-centrifugation, in which the amended substrate is immersed in phosphate buffer-soil extract to liberate actinomycete zoospores, and nonmotile microbial associates are then eliminated by centrifugation. Portions of the supernatant enriched with zoospores are plated on humic-acid vitamin agar supplemented with fradiomycin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid and trimethoprim. We examined 39 soil and plant-litter samples taken from fields, forests and stream banks. The proposed method consistently enriched and selectively isolated Actinokineospora spp. in 17 samples. Evidence for antimicrobial activity was found in most of the isolates.

CONCLUSION

A combination of enrichment and a medium containing selective antibiotics can be used successfully for efficient isolation of certain rare actinomycete taxa.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The development of new methodologies with which to isolate rare actinomycetes is of great importance to extend our understanding of their ecology, taxonomy and bioactivity.

Proposal of Mycetocola gen. nov. in the family Microbacteriaceae and three new species, Mycetocola saprophilus sp. nov., Mycetocola tolaasinivorans sp. nov. and Mycetocola lacteus sp. nov., isolated from cultivated mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus

The taxonomic positions of 10 tolaasin-detoxifying bacteria, which were isolated from the cultivated mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, were investigated. These strains are Gram-positive, obligately aerobic, non-sporulating and irregular rod-shaped bacteria. They have the following characteristics: the major menaquinone is MK-10, the DNA G+C content ranges from 64 to 65 mol%, the diamino acid in the cell wall is lysine and the muramic acid in the peptidoglycan is an acetyl type. The major fatty acids are anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0. On the basis of morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, together with DNA-DNA reassociation values and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison data, the new genus Mycetocola gen. nov. is proposed for these bacteria in the family Microbacteriaceae and three new species are also proposed: Mycetocola saprophilus sp. nov. (type strain CM-01T = IFO 16274T = MAFF 211324T = NRRL B-24119T), Mycetocola tolaasinivorans sp. nov. (type strain CM-05T = IFO 16277T = MAFF 211325T = NRRL B-24120T) and Mycetocola lacteus sp. nov. (type strain CM-10T = IFO 16278T = MAFF 211326T = NRRL B-24121T). The type species of the genus is Mycetocola saprophilus sp. nov.

Amycolatopsis rubida sp. nov., a new Amycolatopsis species from soil

The taxonomic position of a soil isolate, strain 13.4T, was established using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have chemical and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Amycolatopsis. Phylogenetic analysis of the strain based on its 16S rDNA sequence showed that it forms a distinct phyletic line within members of the genus Amycolatopsis. The organism was also readily distinguished from the type strains of all validly described Amycolatopsis species by its phenotypic features. The name Amycolatopsis rubida sp. nov. is proposed for this new species. The type strain is strain 13.4T (= AS 4.1541T = JCM 10871T).

Proposal to transfer Actinomadura carminata to a new subspecies of the genus Nonomuraea as Nonomuraea roseoviolacea subsp. carminata comb. nov

An anthracycline-producing actinomycete (strain SF2303) was compared with two other anthracycline producers, Actinomadura carminata IFO 15903T and Nonomuraea roseoviolacea IFO 14098T, using morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and molecular-genetic criteria. The morphological and cultural characteristics of these three strains are similar. The physiological properties of strain SF2303 and N. roseoviolacea IFO 14098T are very similar, but are different from those of A. carminata IFO 15903T in the utilization of some sugars and the reduction of nitrate. Their chemotaxonomic properties [cell wall chemotype, IIIB; major menaquinone, MK-9 (III, VIIl-H4); phospholipid type, PIV; cellular fatty acids 10M-17:0/17:1 and iso-16:0 as major components and 2-hydroxy fatty acids as minor components; mycolic acid, absent] were identical and indicated that these three strains belong to the family Streptosporangiaceae. On the basis of 16S rDNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis, they were all included in the cluster formed by species of Nonomuraea. The levels of DNA relatedness between strain SF2303 and N. roseoviolacea IFO 14098T ranged from 71 to 78%; however, the levels of relatedness between the two strains and A. carminata IFO 15903T were lower (49-60%). Therefore, strain SF2303 was identified as a member of the species N. roseoviolacea and it is proposed that Actinomadura carminata Gauze et al. 1973 should be transferred to a new subspecies of the genus Nonomuraea Zhang et al. 1998 as N. roseoviolacea subsp. carminata comb. nov.

Actinohivin, a novel anti-HIV protein from an actinomycete that inhibits syncytium formation: isolation, characterization, and biological activities

Blocking human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry into target cells is an important goal of HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) therapies. We have searched for anti-HIV substances from microorganisms using a syncytium formation assay system constructed with HeLa/CD4/Lac-Z and HeLa/T-env/Tat cells. We discovered a novel anti-HIV protein that inhibits syncytium formation, designated as actinohivin, from a cultured broth of a soil isolate, actinomycete strain K97-0003. ESI mass spectrometry of actinohivin isolated from the culture filtrate showed an ion with molecular mass of 12,520.3 Da. The amino acid sequence was determined by N-terminal Edman degradation of the intact protein and peptide fragments formed by endoproteinase digestions. Actinohivin consists of a 114-amino-acid chain that exhibits internal sequence triplication. Actinohivin inhibited both T-cell and macrophage tropic syncytium formation, with IC(50) values of 60 and 700 nM, respectively, and the cytopathic effect of HIV-1(IIIB) in MT-4 cells, with IC(50) value of 230 nM.

Selective isolation and distribution of the genus Planomonospora in soils

For the screening of bioactive compounds and study of global distribution, a selective isolation method for Planomonospora strains by centrifugation from soil is examined. Planomonospora strains produced characteristic sporangia on the humic acid-trace salts gellan gum medium (pH 9.0) so that this genus was readily recognized on the isolation plate. High yields of motile spores were obtained by using a flooding solution containing 0.1% skim milk in 5 mM N-cyclohexyl-2-amino-ethanesulfonic acid (pH 9.0) followed by incubating the preparation at 32 degreesC for 90 min, centrifuging it at 1000 x g for 10 min, and further incubation at 32 degreesC for 60 min after centrifugation. By combining the techniques described above, we isolated 246 Planomonospora strains from 137 of the 1200 soil samples examined. Ninety-four percent of these strains were recovered from neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 7.0 to 9.0). Strains of P. venezuelensis group were obtained from 13 soil samples (1.1%), which were collected in Bolivia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, India, Japan, New Caledonia, and Turkey. Strains of this group appear widely distributed in the soil of tropical to temperate regions. To our knowledge, this is the first record that strains of this group have been isolated from a location other than Venezuela.

Streptimonospora salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Nocardiopsaceae

Actinomycete strain YIM 90002T (= CCTCC 99003T = CCRC 16284T) was isolated from a soil sample collected from a salt lake in the west of China. The aerial mycelium of this organism is well developed but not fragmented and, at maturity, forms short chains of spores. Spores in short chains are oval- to rod-shaped and have wrinkled surfaces. Substrate mycelium is branched with non-fragmenting hyphae and forms single oval to round spores borne on sporophores or dichotomously branching sporophores. Single spores have wrinkled surfaces. Single spores and spores in short chains are non-motile. Strain YIM 90002T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid, DD-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, lysine and aspartic acid in its cell wall and has glucose, galactose, ribose, xylose, arabinose and mannose as whole-cell sugars (no diagnostic sugars). The phospholipids are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major menaquinones are MK-9(H6), MK-10(H2) and MK-10(H4). Phylogenetic data indicate that this strain belongs to the family Nocardiopsaceae. The morphological and physiological characteristics and chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data for this strain differ from those of previously described actinomycetes. Therefore, a new genus, Streptimonospora, is proposed for this organism; the type species of the genus is Streptimonospora salina gen. nov., sp. nov., and the type strain of S. salina is strain YIM 90002T.

Scanning electron microscopy of nonconductive specimens at critical energies in a cathode lens system

A method for scanning electron microscopy imaging of nonconductive specimens, based on measurement and utilisation of a critical energy, is described in detail together with examples of its application. The critical energy, at which the total electron yield curve crosses the unit level, is estimated on the basis of measurement of the image signal development from the beginning of irradiation. This approach, concentrated onto the detected signal as the only quantity crucial for the given purpose of acquiring a noncharged micrograph, evades consequences of any changes in an irradiated specimen that influence the total electron yield curve and possibly also the critical energy value. Implementation of the automated method, realised using a cathode lens-equipped scanning electron microsope (SEM), enables one to establish a mean rate of charging over the field of view and its dependence on the electron landing energy. This dependence enables one to determine the energy of a minimum damage of the image of the given field of view. Factors influencing reliability and applicability of the method are discussed and examples of noncharged micrographs of specimens from both life and material science fields are presented.

Structure elucidation and antifungal activity of an anthracycline antibiotic, daunomycin, isolated from Actinomadura roseola

The actinomycete strain Ao108 producing antifungal metabolites active against some plant pathogenic fungi was identified as Actinomadura roseola, based on the analyses of morphological and physiological characteristics. The antibiotic Da2B that showed a strong antifungal activity was isolated from the culture broth and mycelial mats of A. roseola strain Ao108 using various chromatographic procedures. On the basis of (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and 2-D NMR correlation data, the antibiotic Da2B was confirmed to have the structure of an anthracycline antibiotic, daunomycin. In vitro antimicrobial spectrum tests showed that the antibiotic Da2B had substantial inhibitory activity (10 microg mL(-)(1) of MICs) against mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici and Rhizoctonia solani. The antibiotic also showed antiyeast activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but the growth of Candida albicans was not affected. Antibacterial activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria. In the further evaluation of in vivo efficacy, application of the antibiotic Da2B effectively inhibited the development of Phytophthora blight in pepper plants. However, the control efficacy of the antibiotic against Phytophthora infection was somewhat less than that of metalaxyl. The antibiotic Da2B did not show any phytotoxicity on pepper plants even at 500 microg mL(-)(1).

Acrocarpospora gen. nov., a new genus of the order Actinomycetales

The taxonomic position of two actinomycete strains isolated from soil was studied. The isolates contained glutamic acid, alanine and meso-diaminopimelic acid as cell-wall amino acids and menaquinone MK-9(H4) and madurose in the whole-cell hydrolysate. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates belonged to the family Streptosporangiaceae, but not to any known genus, and formed a monophyletic cluster with Streptosporangium corrugatum. On the basis of morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization, the name Acrocarpospora gen. nov. is proposed for a new genus containing the isolates and Streptosporangium corrugatum, and Acrocarpospora pleiomorpha sp. nov. R-31T (= IFO 16267T), Acrocarpospora macrocephala sp. nov. R-55T (=IFO 16266T) and Acrocarpospora corrugata comb. nov. IFO 13972T are described.

Biodegradation of benzothiophene sulfones by a filamentous bacterium

Previous studies showed that benzothiophene and 3- and 5-methylbenzothiophenes are oxidized by some bacteria to yield their corresponding sulfones, which were not subsequently degraded. In this study, a filamentous bacterium was isolated, which grew on each of these three sulfones as its sole carbon, sulfur, and energy source. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and scanning electron microscopy, the isolate was found to belong to the genus Pseudonocardia and assigned the strain designation DB1. Benzothiophene sulfone and 3-methylbenzothiophene sulfone were more readily biodegraded than 5-methylbenzothiophene sulfone, and growth on these three compounds resulted in the release of 57, 62, and 28% of the substrate carbon as CO2, respectively. The thiophene ring was also cleaved, and between 44 and 88% of the sulfur from the consumed substrate was found as sulfate and (or) sulfite. Strain DB1 grew on benzoate, dibenzothiophene sulfone, and hexadecanoic acid, but it could not grow on benzofuran, dibenzothiophene, dibenzothiophene sulfoxide, hexadecane, indole, naphthalene, phenol, 2-sulfobenzoic acid, sulfolane, benzothiophene, or 3- or 5-methylbenzothiophenes. In addition, it did not oxidize the latter three compounds to their sulfones.

[Microbial succession on lignite along with weathering]

Six different weathered lignite samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Few microorganisms were observed on lignit just excavated and only spores and short hyphae were observed on lignite samples excavated 5 months, 1 year and 4 years before sampling. When lignite samples were moistened with distilled water and incubated for 10 days, actinomycetes proliferated significantly on lignite samples that were just excavated or excavated 5 months before sampling. The growth of bacteria was observed on lignite samples excavated 1 year before sampling. Fungi increased in length and in number on lignite samples excavated 4 years before sampling. These findings of microbial succession on lignite samples along with weathering were consistent with results of the plate count method; actinomycetes are the first colonizers, then bacteria and fungi are the last degrader. The dominant microorganisms were Actinosynnema sp., Streptomyces sp. and Nocardia sp. among actinomycetes, two Arthrobacter sp. among bacteria and two Aspergillus sp. among fungi.

Description of Saccharomonospora xinjiangensis sp. nov. based on chemical and molecular classification

Comparative studies of morphology, physiology, biochemistry and chemical composition of cells, and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences were carried out with strains XJ-54T and XJ-58 of the genus Saccharomonospora and type strains of related genera. The results indicated that the two strains are different from known members of the genus Saccharomonospora. A new species with the name Saccharomonospora xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The new species is characterized by the presence of longitudinal pairs of spores on both the aerial and the vegetative hyphae and contains phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline and unknown glucosamine-containing phospholipids, and the major menaquinones MK-9(H2), MK-9(H4) and MK-7(H4).

Pseudonocardia asaccharolytica sp. nov. and Pseudonocardia sulfidoxydans sp. nov., two new dimethyl disulfide-degrading actinomycetes and emended description of the genus Pseudonocardia

Seven bacterial strains capable of oxidizing methyl sulfides were isolated from experimental biofilters filled with tree-bark compost. The isolates could be divided into two groups according to their method of methyl sulfide degradation. Four isolates could use only dimethyl disulfide as the sole source of energy and three strains were able to use dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. Oxidation of the methyl sulfides by both groups led to the stoichiometric formation of sulfate. Chemotaxonomic, morphological, physiological and phylogenetic properties identified all isolates as members of the genus Pseudonocardia. The absence of phosphatidylcholine from the polar lipid pattern, as well as results of 16S rDNA analyses, led to the proposal of two new species, Pseudonocardia asaccharolytica sp. nov. and Pseudonocardia sulfidoxydans sp. nov. The type strains are P. asaccharolytica DSM 44247T and P. sulfidoxydans DSM 44248T. With respect to the characteristic polar lipid pattern and the ability to oxidize sulfides, an emended description of the genus Pseudonocardia is proposed.

Characterisation of mycelial morphology using image analysis

Image analysis is now well established in quantifying and characterising microorganisms from fermentation samples. In filamentous fermentations it has become an invaluable tool for characterising complex mycelial morphologies, although it is not yet used extensively in industry. Recent method developments include characterisation of spore germination from the inoculum stage and of the subsequent dispersed and pellet forms. Further methods include characterising vacuolation and simple structural differentiation of mycelia, also from submerged cultures. Image analysis can provide better understanding of the development of mycelial morphology, of the physiological states of the microorganisms in the fermenter, and of their interactions with the fermentation conditions. This understanding should lead to improved design and operation of mycelial fermentations.

Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens sp. nov

Chemotaxonomic and 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analyses of four bacterial isolates from blood cultures from patients with cardiac pacemaker implants and sputa of patients with chronic lung infections clearly demonstrated that these bacteria belong to the genus Tsukamurella. DNA-DNA hybridization data, as well as the physiological characteristics of the isolates, indicate that they are closely related and belong to a single species that differs from previously described members of the genus Tsukamurella. The name Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens sp. nov. is proposed for these isolates, and the new species is represented by strain IMMIB D-1397T (= DSM 44234T). Strain IMMIB D-1397T exhibits 53.4, 53.5, and 54.7% DNA-DNA relatedness to Tsukamurella paurometabola DSM 20162T, Tsukamurella inchonensis DSM 44067T, and Tsukamurella pulmonis DSM 44142T, respectively.

Electron microscopic characteristics of actinomycetic agents having aetiological association with human leprosy and epizootic ulcerative syndrome of fish

The transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies of the human leprosy derived chemoautotrophic nocardio-form (CAN) bacteria and EUS derived CAN bacteria showed presence of double contoured cell-walls consisting of an electron transparent and a dense layer. The fibrillar structures on the surface of these CAN bacterial cells also suggested their similarity to the human tissue derived Mycobacterium leprae cells. These EM studies further revealed mycelial and coccoid bodies in all these bacteria as was observed originally.

Two coryneform bacteria isolated from the surface of French Gruyère and Beaufort cheeses are new species of the genus Brachybacterium: Brachybacterium alimentarium sp. nov. and Brachybacterium tyrofermentans sp. nov

New species names, Brachybacterium alimentarium and Brachybacterium tyrofermentans, are proposed for two coryneform bacteria isolated from the surfaces of Gruyère and Beaufort cheeses. These two species are similar in their biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics but distinct from previously described bacteria. The most distinctive characteristics are the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid-containing peptidoglycan with a D-Glu-D-Asp interpeptide bridge and the presence of erythritol teichoic acids that contain diaminoglucuronic acid (an uncommon substituent). The menaquinone pattern of these organisms is unique among coryneform bacteria. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed that the level of hybridization between the two organisms is 15%, which indicates that they are distinct species. Despite the unique biochemical characteristics of these bacteria, a 16S rRNA sequence comparison revealed that they are unquestionably related to Brachybacterium faecium, Brachybacterium nesterenkovii, and Brachybacterium conglomeratum. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments performed with these three species, B. alimentarium, and B. tyrofermentans revealed that the levels of complementarity ranged from 11 to 38%, values that are similar to the values obtained for Brachybacterium strains described previously. With the inclusion of B. alimentarium and B. tyrofermentans the genus Brachybacterium becomes somewhat heterogeneous with respect to chemotaxonomic characteristics.

Agrococcus jenensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus of actinomycetes with diaminobutyric acid in the cell wall

Two strains of a new gram-positive coryneform bacterium isolated from soil and from a sandstone surface are described. Strain 2002-39/1T (T = type strain) is a coccoid, nonmotile, non-acid-fast, microaerophilic organism. The menaquinones of this strain are MK-12 and MK-11, and the main components of the whole-cell sugars are glucose and rhamnose. No mycolic acids are present. The G+C content of the DNA is 74 mol%. Comparative 16S ribosomal DNA studies and a cell wall analysis revealed that this strain represents a new genus belonging to the group of actinomycetes that have diaminobutyric acid in their peptidoglycans. The second strain, strain ST54, which was isolated from a sandstone surface, had the same characteristic features as strain 2002-39/1T. The name Agrococcus jenensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed for these organisms. The type strain is strain 2002-39/1, which has been deposited in the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures as strain DSM 9580.

Lentzea gen. nov., a new genus of the order Actinomycetales

We describe a new genus of mesophilic actinomycetes, for which we propose the name Lentzea. The strains of this genus form abundant aerial hyphae that fragment into rod-shaped elements. Whole-cell hydrolysates contain the meso isomer of diaminopimelic acid and no characteristic sugar (wall chemotype III). The phospholipid pattern type is type PII (phosphatidylethanolamine is the characteristic phospholipid); the major menaquinone is MK-9. The fatty acid profile comprises saturated, unsaturated, and branched-chain fatty acids of the iso and anteiso types in addition to tuberculostearic acid (10Me-C18:0). A 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis revealed that the genus Lentzea is phylogenically related to the genera Actinosynnema, Saccharothrix, and Kutzneria. The type species of this genus is Lentzea albidocapillata sp. nov.; the type strain of this species is strain IMMIB D-958 (= DSM 44073).

HM17, a new polyene antifungal antibiotic produced by a new strain of Spirillospora

An antifungal antibiotic (HM17) was obtained from a new isolate classified to the genus Spirillospora on the basis of its chemical and morphological properties. On solid media this antibiotic strongly inhibited the growth of strains of Fusarium oxysporum formae speciales albedinis, Botrytis cinerea, Gaeumaniomyces graminis and several other fungi known to be plant and human pathogens. Antifungal activity in culture collection strains of Spirillospora has not so far been reported. The u.v. absorption spectrum and physico-chemical characteristics place HM17 in the methylpentaene sub-group of polyene macrolides. HM17 is different from other known methylpentaenes. This is the first report of polyene production by a Spirillospora.

WS79089A, B and C, new endothelin converting enzyme inhibitors isolated from Streptosporangium roseum. No. 79089. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activities

WS79089A, B and C, which are novel endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitors have been isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptosporangium roseum No. 79089. These inhibitors were purified from an acetone extract of whole culture broth followed by Silicar CC-4 column chromatography and HPLC. WS79089A, B and C showed highly selective ECE inhibition activity with IC50 values of 0.73 microM 0.14 microM and 3.42 microM, respectively. On the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence, the tentative structures of WS79089A, B and C have been proposed, they have benzo[a]naphtacen chromophores.

A new genus of the order Actinomycetales, Couchioplanes gen. nov., with descriptions of Couchioplanes caeruleus (Horan and Brodsky 1986) comb. nov. and Couchioplanes caeruleus subsp. azureus subsp. nov

During our taxonomic study of motile actinomycetes, soil isolate RA 335 was found to form a blue substrate mycelium and aerial mycelia with motile arthrospores and to have lysine as the cell wall diamino acid. Actinoplanes caeruleus IFO 13939T (T = type strain) and "Actinoplanes azureus" IFO 13993T are known to have the same characteristics. Therefore, the taxonomic position of these three strains was studied. Aerial mycelia of these strains fragmented during the growth cycle and produced motile spores arranged in chains within the mycelia. Sporangia were not observed. The strains contained menaquinone 9(H4), had guanine-plus-cytosine contents of 69.9 to 72.1 mol%, and had D-glutamic acid, D- and L-serine, glycine, L-alanine, and L-lysine as cell wall amino acids (type A3 alpha). The taxonomic characteristics of these strains differ from those of the previously described motile actinomycetes. On the basis of morphological, physiological, and chemotaxonomic data and the results of DNA-DNA hybridization and comparative 16S rRNA studies, we propose a new genus, Couchioplanes, for these organisms. The type species is Couchioplanes caeruleus comb. nov. (type strain, IFO 13939), which is divided into two subspecies, Couchioplanes caeruleus subsp. caeruleus subsp. nov. (type strain, IFO 13939) for A. caeruleus IFO 13939T and strain RA 335 and Couchioplanes caeruleus subsp. azureus (type strain, IFO 13993) for "A. azureus" IFO 13993T.

Variation in cultural, morphological, biochemical properties and infectivity of Australian isolates of Dermatophilus congolensis

Recent vaccination studies with Dermatophilus congolensis showed that variation of challenge strains had a considerable influence on protection afforded by the vaccines. In this study cultural, morphological and biochemical properties of 30 D. congolensis isolates from throughout Australian were investigated. The infective dose required to produce lesions of equivalent severity by these isolates for sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs was also examined and the isolates were grouped into four clusters of similar infectivity ranking. Analysis of the relationship between cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics and infectivity rankings of clusters was undertaken to determine if certain properties were linked to infectivity. Considerable variability was found in haemolytic activity on blood agar, mucoid nature of colonies, motility, flagella density and polarity, capsule width, restriction enzyme profiles of bacterial DNA, protein electropherotype, carbohydrate content, and enzymic activity against proteins, maltose, chondroitin-4-sulphate, phospholipids and lipids. Of these properties haemolytic activity and enzyme activity against casein, chondroitin-4-sulphate and lipids showed some link with infectivity ranking for these isolates.

Kibdelosporangium albatum sp. nov., producer of the antiviral antibiotics cycloviracins

A new species of the genus Kibdelosporangium is described. This soil organism forms long straight spore chains and numerous sporangium-like structures on the aerial mycelium. The new species has type IV cell walls and pattern A whole-cell sugars (meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose, and galactose are present), type PII phospholipids, MK-9(H4) as the major menaquinone, and no mycolic acids. On the basis of morphology and chemotaxonomy, the single isolate is assigned to the genus Kibdelosporangium. The isolate differs from two previously described species of the genus in fatty acid composition, the absence of melanin formation, and many physiological and biochemical characteristics and is identified as a new species. Accordingly, the name Kibdelosporangium albatum sp. nov. is proposed for this isolate. The type strain is R761-7 (= ATCC 55061).

Herbidospora gen. nov., a new genus of the family Streptosporangiaceae Goodfellow et al. 1990

Eight actinomycete strains originally isolated from soil and plant samples were studied to determine their taxonomic status. All isolates produced branching substrate mycelia, but no distinct aerial hyphae. Relatively short chains of nonmotile spores (10 to 30 spores per chain) were borne on the tips of sporophores arising directly from the agar surface. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolates, with the exception of the menaquinone profile, coincided with those of members of the family Streptosporangiaceae Goodfellow, Stanton, Simpson, and Minnikin 1990. Furthermore, the results of a phylogenetic analysis performed with 5S rRNA support the conclusion that the isolates should be classified in this family. The isolates differed from members of the constituent genera of the Streptosporangiaceae in morphological characteristics and menaquinone composition. Therefore, we propose a new genus for the strains, Herbidospora. The type species and type strain are Herbidospora cretacea sp. nov. and strain K-319 (= JCM 8553), respectively.