Partial characterization of a Saccharopolyspora isolated from a preserved lab dissection specimen

Abstract

A microorganism that initially resembled a fungus was observed growing on preserved cat dissection specimen in the Fort Hays State University anatomy laboratory. A sample of this organism was collected with a sterile swab and streaked for isolation on tryptic soy agar. The resulting colonies were subcultured numerous times until an axenic culture was obtained. Characterization of the organism by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fatty acid methyl ester analysis, and scanning electron microscopy suggested the organism is most likely a previously undescribed member of the bacterial genus Saccharopolyspora.