Pleomorphic Rods Research Articles

Investigation of an outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in goats

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic and sub-clinical disease of sheep and goats with high prevalence in domestic animals. It is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis. An outbreak of CLA in superficial and visceral forms was observed in Barbari and Jakhrana goat herds maintained at ICAR-CIRG, Makhdoom (UP) in July, 2016. A total of 147 goats was affected by the infection of external lymph nodes and two cases in Barbari goats showed internal abscess on necropsy. Biopsy pus samples were collected and identified the organism after Gram's staining. All biopsy samples were inoculated to blood agar and subjected to biochemical (catalase, oxidase and nitrate) tests. Isolation of DNAfrom culture and 16S rRNAgene-based PCR for C. ovis was carried out for confirmatory diagnosis. Gross and histopathological studies were conducted in cases of internal abscess. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were conducted for all the isolates obtained during the study. External lymph nodes were predominantly affected involving pre-scapular and post-scapular (94), pre-femoral (44) and mandibular lymph nodes (9). After incising abscesses, white thick pus oozed out. In Grams ’stained smears, the organism was pleomorphic rods arranged in Chinese letters. On blood agar, round, raised, greyish colonies were observed and biochemical examination showed catalase positive and oxidase negative. The 16S rRNA genebased PCR confirmed the presence of C. ovis. In two cases, visceral abscess was observed with oozing pus from affected lungs. Histopathology of affected lung tissue showed infiltration of inflammatory cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages within infected tissue and concentric fibrous layers separated by inspissated caseous exudate. Based on morphology, biochemical tests and PCR, causal organism was confirmed as C. ovis and based on 16 antibiotics tested for sensitivity, ciprofloxacin was the only antibiotic found to be effective against isolates.

Characterization of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from commercial layer chickens in eastern Japan.

From a total of 72 commercial layer and pullet farms that were monitored in the eastern Japan area, 4 farms had mild to severe respiratory disease accompanied by decreased feed intake and drop in egg production. Microbiological analysis showed that 3 of the 4 farms, particularly from Fukushima, Tochigi, and Ibaraki prefectures, were positive for Ornithobacterum rhinotracheale (ORT). Out of 65 birds examined, ORT was isolated in 21 birds (32.31%). All isolates were Gram-negative pleomorphic rods with a colony size of 0.05mm, translucent with grayish coloration, and with butyric smell after 48 h of incubation in 10% chicken blood agar at 37°C under microaerophilic conditions. All isolates reacted positively in the p-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside test within 3 h and were positive in cytochrome oxidase tests with an API 20NE identification system biocode of 0-0-2-0-0-0-4. An agar gel precipitation test showed that all isolates were serotype-A. All strains were positive in PCR by yielding a 784bp amplicon of the 16S rRNA gene. All strains were resistant to amikacin, colistin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, polymyxin b, streptomycin, and sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim and susceptible to amoxicillin clavulanic acid, ampicillin, doxycycline, spectinomycin, and tetracycline. This study is the first characterization of ORT from commercial layer chickens in eastern Japan.

Osteomyelitis and Hip Abscess Caused by Gardnerella vaginalis

Abstract Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) is a facultative anaerobic gram-variable pleomorphic rod most commonly associated with infection of the genital tract in women, especially bacterial vaginosis, but recognition of extravaginal G. vaginalis infection is becoming more frequent. We report a case of osteomyelitis hip abscess caused by G. vaginalis in a young female patient with a history of left hip Ewing sarcoma treated with surgical resection, chemotherapy, and hardware placement. We discuss previously reported cases of osteoarticular infections due to G. vaginalis in the medical literature and management of our unique case despite the lack of antimicrobial susceptibility for G. vaginalis.

Halobaculum roseum sp. nov., isolated from underground salt deposits.

Two extremely halophilic archaea, strains D90T and D93, were isolated from underground salt deposits of Yunnan salt mine, China. Both strains were pleomorphic or short rods, non-motile, Gram-negative and required 1.7 M NaCl for growth, with optimum at 3.4 M. Mg2+ was not required for growth. Multiple copies of the 16S rRNA gene were obtained for both strains. Sequence similarity analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed that strains D90T and D93 were closely related to Halobaculum magnesiiphilum MGY-184T and Halobaculum gomorrense DSM 9297T with the sequence similarity between 96.2-98.1 %. The sequence similarity of the rpoB' gene between strain D90T and Halobaculum gomorrenseJCM 9908T was 94.1 %. The DNA G+C contents of strains D90T and D93 were 65.9 and 67.6 mol%, respectively. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and glycolipid. The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strains D90T and D93 was 90.1±0.5 %, while that between strain D90T and Halobaculum gomorrenseJCM 9908T was 30.0±0.7 %. The comparison of physiological and biochemical characteristics, including the requirements of NaCl, Mg2+, pH, etc., differentiated strains D90T and D93 from Halobaculum magnesiiphilum MGY-184T and Halobaculum gomorrenseJCM 9908T. Therefore, strains D90T and D93 represent a novel species of the genus Halobaculum, for which the name Halobaculum roseum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D90T (=CGMCC 1.15501T=JCM 31273T).

Raineyella antarctica gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant, d-amino-acid-utilizing anaerobe isolated from two geographic locations of the Southern Hemisphere.

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, strain LZ-22T, was isolated from a rhizosphere of moss Leptobryum sp. collected at the shore of Lake Zub in Antarctica. Cells were motile, straight or pleomorphic rods with sizes of 0.6-1.0×3.5-10 µm. The novel isolate was a facultatively anaerobic, catalase-positive, psychrotolerant mesophile. Growth was observed at 3-41 °C (optimum 24-28 °C), with 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.25 %) and at pH 4.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.8). The quinone system of strain LZ-22T possessed predominately menaquinone MK-9(H4). The genomic G+C content was 70.2 mol%. Strain 10J was isolated from a biofilm of sediment microbial fuel cell, in Uruguay and had 99 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to strain LZ-22T. DNA-DNA-hybridization values of 84 % confirmed that both strains belonged to the same species. Both strains grew on sugars, proteinaceous compounds, and some amino- and organic acids. Strain LZ-22T uniquely grew on D-enantiomers of histidine and valine while neglecting growth on L-enantiomers. Both strains were sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics but resistant to tested nitrofurans and sulfanilamides. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strains were related to members of the family Propionibacteriaceae (~93-94 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) with formation of a separate branch within the radiation of the genera Granulicoccus and Luteococcus. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, we propose the affiliation of both strains into a novel species of a new genus. The name Raineyella antarctica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed for the novel taxon with the type strain LZ-22T (=ATCC TSD-18T=DSM 100494T=JCM 30886T).

Neumonía por Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum

Microorganisms of the genera Corynebacterium, specie pseudodiphtheriticum are a part of the indigenous microbiota of human skin and oropharinx. Nevertheless in recent decades these bacilli are emerging as opportunistic pathogens causing clinically significant infections in patients with previous compromise. We report the case of a 76 years old female patient, with a history of hypertension, hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes and chronic renal failure, who presented pneumonia during their stay at the intensive care unit. The induced sputum revealed a representative sample with monomicrobial gram positive pleomorphic coryneform rods (Gram stain) and cultures demonstrated the presence of C. pseudodiphtheriticum as the only bacteria recovered. The pacient received an empirical third generation cephalosporin medication with a succesfull recovery.

Halorussus salinus sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern.

A halophilic archaeal strain YJ-37-HT was isolated from Yangjiang marine solar saltern, China. Cells were pleomorphic rods, stained Gram negative and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plate. Strain YJ-37-HT was able to grow at 20-50°C (optimum 37°C), at 0.9-4.8M NaCl (optimum 2.6M NaCl), at 0-1.0M MgCl2 (optimum 0.3 MgCl2) and at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells lysed in distilled water, and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was found to be 5% (w/v). The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain YJ-37-HT were phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halorussus members (93.2-95.8% and 90.1-93.9% similarities, respectively). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS) and five glycolipids, sulfated galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-TGD-1), galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (TGD-1), sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1), mannosyl glucosyl diether (DGD-1) and diglycosyl diether (DGD-2). The DNA G+C content of strain YJ-37-HT was 64.9mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YJ-37-HT (=CGMCC 1.12571T=JCM 30032T) represents a new species of Halorussus, for which the name Halorussus salinus sp. nov. is proposed.

Breznakia blatticola gen. nov. sp. nov. and Breznakia pachnodae sp. nov., two fermenting bacteria isolated from insect guts, and emended description of the family Erysipelotrichaceae

Two novel, obligately anaerobic Firmicutes from the family Erysipelotrichaceae were isolated from the intestinal tracts of a cockroach (strain ErySL, Shelfordella lateralis) and a scarab beetle larva (strain Pei061, Pachnoda ephippiata). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strains belong to a monophyletic group of hitherto uncultured bacteria from insect guts that are only distantly related to any described species (<90% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Ultrastructural analysis revealed a Gram-positive cell envelope and, in the case of strain ErySL, a wide electron-lucent space between the cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall. In older cultures, cells formed pleomorphic rods with a thicker peptidoglycan layer. Both strains were obligately anaerobic and fermented glucose to formate, ethanol, and acetate as major products, but strain Pei061 tolerated up to 1% oxygen in the headspace. The same type of metabolism was observed with Erysipelothrix inopinata, except that the latter grew, albeit poorly, even under air. However, previous claims of a microaerophilic or facultatively anaerobic metabolism in the genus Erysipelothrix could not be substantiated. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, we propose to classify the isolates as members of a new genus, Breznakia blatticola gen. nov. sp. nov. and Breznakia pachnodae sp. nov., with strain ErySLT (=DSM 28867T=JCM 30190T) and strain Pei061T (=DSM 16784T=JCM 30191T) as type strains, and provide an emended description of the family Erysipelotrichaceae.

Haloparvum sedimenti gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Haloferacaceae.

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains, DYS4T and Y2, were isolated from rock salt of the Jiangcheng Salt Mine, Yunnan province, China. Cells of the two strains were non-motile, pleomorphic rods and Gram-stain-negative. The cells produced light red-pigmented colonies. Strains DYS4T and Y2 required 2.6-3.4 M NaCl, pH 7.5- 8.0 and 42 ºC in aerobic conditions for optimal growth. Mg2+ was required for growth. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. An unidentified minor glycolipid spot was present for strains DYS4T and Y2, which differentiates them from the closely related species of the genera Halorubrum and Halopenitus. The lipid core of the glycolipid was sn-2,3-diphytanylglycerol (C20C20). The sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene demonstrated that the closest relatives of strains DYS4T and Y2 were Halorubrum aidingense 31-hongT (94.1 % and 93.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to DYS4T and Y2, respectively) and Halopenitus salinus SKJ47T (93.4% and 93.1%). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and the rpoB' gene revealed that strains DYS4T and Y2 formed an independent lineage closely related to the genera Halorubrum and Halopenitus. The DNA G+C contents of strains DYS4T and Y2 were 68.2 and 67.0 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strains DYS4T and Y2 was 90.0 ± 0.5%, while that between strain DYS4T and other closest relatives was less than 26 % (19 ± 0.7 % for Halorubrum aidingense 31-hongT and 25 ± 0.3% for Halopenitus salinus SKJ47T). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strains DYS4T and Y2 (=CGMCC 1.15000=JCM 30892) represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Haloferacaceae, for which the name Haloparvum sedimenti gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is DYS4T (=CGMCC 1.14998T=JCM 30891T).

First report of sepsis due to Catabacter hongkongensis in an Italian patient

The first isolation of Catabacter hongkongensis in Italy is reported. Pleomorphic Gram-positive rods were grown in blood cultures from samples obtained from a 55-year-old patient admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis after he experienced massive thoracic and abdominal trauma. The identification was obtained by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.

Halorubrum halodurans sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a hypersaline lake.

Two extremely halophilic archaea, strains Cb34T and C170, belonging to the genus Halorubrum, were isolated from the brine of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of the two strains were motile, pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-variable and produced red-pigmented colonies. Strains Cb34T and C170 required 25 % (w/v) salts, pH 7.0 and 37 °C for optimal growth under aerobic conditions; 0.3 M Mg2+ was required. Cells of both isolates were lysed in distilled water and hypotonic treatment with < 10 % NaCl provoked cell lysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that these two strains were closely related to Halorubrum cibi B31T (98.8 %) and other members of the genus Halorubrum. In addition, studies based on the rpoB' gene revealed that strains Cb34T and C170 are placed among the species of Halorubrum and are closely related to Halorubrum cibi B31T, with rpoB' gene sequence similarity less than or equal to 95.7 %. The polar lipid patterns of both strains consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. The DNA G+C content was 62.1-62.4 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization studies confirmed that strains Cb34T and C170 constitute a distinct species. Data obtained in this study show that the two strains represent a novel species, for which the name Halorubrum halodurans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Cb34T ( = CECT 8745T = IBRC-M 10233T).

Retrospective Evaluation of Canine Dermatitis Secondary to Corynebacterium spp.

Corynebacterium species are considered nonpathogenic in canine dermatitis; however, potential clinical significance has been demonstrated in canine otitis externa and from a dog bite wound in a human. Objectives of this study were to identify the predominant Corynebacterium species present in lesions of canine dermatitis, assess pathogenic role, determine antimicrobial susceptibility, and evaluate clinical response. Of 37 isolates identified as Corynebacterium, 31 were Corynebacterium auriscanis . Most Corynebacterium isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol (97%), tetracyclines (92%), and amikacin (89%); isolate susceptibilities to β-lactams, trimethoprim-sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones were <50%. Most cultures grew mixed populations of bacteria; C. auriscanis was the only organism isolated in three patients. At recheck, 2-8 wk after initial presentation, pleomorphic rods were absent or significantly decreased in all patients. Two of three C. auriscanis isolates were obtained in pure culture and were evaluable, meaning patient had an initial exam and recheck examination. Both patients were already on antimicrobials to which C. auriscanis was resistant in vitro. Both improved after doxycycline administration. C. auriscanis may act as an opportunistic pathogen in canine dermatitis and may not respond to antimicrobial therapy based on susceptibilities for other organisms in mixed infections. Occasionally, Corynebacterium isolated alone may be pathogenic.

Haloarchaeobius baliensis sp. nov., isolated from a solar saltern.

A novel halophilic archaeon, designated strain 2b_61_3T, was isolated from a solar saltern in Indonesia. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, motile, pleomorphic rods that formed orange-red-pigmented colonies on solid medium. The isolate grew optimally at 42-44 °C, pH 6.5-7.0, and with 2.6 M NaCl, and MgCl2 was required for growth. Strain 2b_61_3T had two differential 16S rRNA genes (rrnA and rrnB), and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Haloarchaeobius. The rrnA and rrnB sequence similarities between strain 2b_61_3T and species of the genus Haloarchaeobius were 98.4-99.2 % and 98.5-98.8 %, respectively. The findings from the 16S rRNA gene analysis were supported by sequence analysis of rpoB', the B' subunit of RNA polymerase. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with Haloarchaeobius iranensis NBRC 110930T, strain 2b_61_3T represents a novel species of the genus Haloarchaeobius, for which the name Haloarchaeobius baliensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2b_61_3T ( = NBRC 110517T = InaCC Ar2T).

Halorussus amylolyticus sp. nov., isolated from an inland salt lake.

A halophilic archaeal strain, YC93T, was isolated from Yuncheng salt lake in Shanxi Province, China. Cells were pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-negative and formed light-red-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Strain YC93T was able to grow at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), with 1.4–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.0 M), with 0–1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.05 M) and at pH 6.0–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0). Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 8 % (w/v). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain YC93T had two dissimilar 16S rRNA genes both of which were phylogenetically related to those of the two recognized members of the genus Halorussus (93.0–95.3 % similarity). The rpoB′ gene of strain YC93T was phylogenetically related to the corresponding gene of Halorussus rarus TBN4T (91.3 % similarity) and Halorussus ruber YC25T (90.5 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and five glycolipids chromatographically identical to those of Halorussus rarus CGMCC 1.10122T. The DNA G+C content of strain YC93T was 64.6 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YC93T represents a novel species of the genus Halorussus, for which the name Halorussus amylolyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC93T ( = CGMCC 1.12126T = JCM 18367T).

Halorubrum persicum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from sediment of a hypersaline lake.

An extremely halophilic archaeon belonging to the genus Halorubrum, strain C49T, was isolated from sediment of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that strain C49T was closely related to Halorubrum saccharovorum JCM 8865T (99.5 %) and other species of the genus Halorubrum. Studies based on multilocus sequence analysis revealed that strain C49T is placed among the species of Halorubrum; the strain constituted a defined branch in comparison with the type strains of species of Halorubrum, while the 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence could not define the status of the newly isolated strain. For optimum growth, strain C49T required 20 % (w/v) salts at pH 7.0 and 37 °C under aerobic conditions. Mg2+ was not required. The cells were pleomorphic rods, motile and stained Gram-variable. Colonies of the strain were pink. Hypotonic treatment with <12 % NaCl provoked cell lysis. The polar lipid pattern of strain C49T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester derived from both C20C20 and C20C25 archaeol, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. The DNA G+C content was 64.2 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization studies and average nucleotide identity confirmed that strain C49T constitutes a distinct genospecies. Data obtained in this study show that strain C49T represents a novel species, for which the name Halorubrum persicum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C49T ( = IBRC-M 10232T = JCM 30541T).

Halomicroarcula salina sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern.

Halophilic archaeal strain YGHS18(T) was isolated from the Yinggehai marine solar saltern near Shanya city of Hainan Province, China. Cells from the strain were observed to be pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-negative, and formed red-pigmented colonies on solid media. Strain YGHS18(T) was found to be able to grow at 20-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), with 0.9-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.1 M) and at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimum NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was found to be 0.9 M. The major polar lipids of the strain were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, glucosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether and a diglycosyl diether (DGD-2). Strain YGHS18(T) possessed two heterogeneous 16S rRNA genes (rrnA and rrnB) and both were related to those of members of the genera Haloarcula (93.1-96.9% sequence similarity) and Halomicroarcula (92.7-96.1% similarity). The rrnA gene (orthologous gene) of strain YGHS18(T) clustered phylogenetically with members of the genus Halomicroarcula while the rrnB gene formed a paraphyly with members of the genera Halomicroarcula and Haloarcula . The rpoB' gene of strain YGHS18(T) was related phylogenetically to species of the genera Halomicroarcula (91.6-92.7% sequence similarity) and Haloarcula (91.5-92.4% similarity). EF-2 gene analysis revealed that strain YGHS18(T) was related phylogenetically to species of the genus Halomicroarcula (92.2-92.9% sequence similarity) rather than to those of the genus Haloarcula (90.9-91.7% similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain YGHS18(T) was determined to be 64.5 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YGHS18(T) ( =CGMCC 1.12128(T) =JCM 18369(T)) represents a novel species of the genus Halomicroarcula , for which the name Halomicroarcula salina sp. nov. is proposed.

Haloarchaeobius salinus sp. nov., isolated from an inland salt lake, and emended description of the genus Haloarchaeobius

The halophilic archaeal strain, YC82(T), was isolated from Yuncheng salt lake in Shanxi, PR China. Cells from strain YC82(T) were Gram-stain negative, pleomorphic rods, which lysed in distilled water and formed light-red colonies on solid media. Strain YC82(T) grew at 25-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), in 1.4-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.0 M), in 0-1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.05 M) and at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum pH 7.5). The major polar lipids of strain YC82(T) were phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and three glycolipids, which were chromatographically identical to those of Haloarchaeobius iranensis IBRC-M 10013(T) and Haloarchaeobius litoreus CGMCC 1.10390(T). 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that strain YC82(T) had two dissimilar 16S rRNA genes and that it was phylogenetically related to Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013(T) (94.3-99.0 % nucleotide identity) and Hab. litoreus CGMCC 1.10390(T) (94.1-98.8 % nucleotide identity). The rpoB' gene similarities between strain YC82(T) and Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013(T) and Hab. litoreus CGMCC 1.10390(T) were 96.5 % and 95.7 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain YC82(T) was 63.7 mol%. Strain YC82(T) showed low DNA-DNA relatedness with Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013(T) and Hab. litoreus CGMCC 1.10390(T). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties of strain YC82(T) ( = CGMCC 1.12232(T) = JCM 18644(T)) suggest that it represents a novel species of the genus Haloarchaeobius, for which the name Haloarchaeobius salinus sp. nov. is proposed. An emended description of the genus Haloarchaeobius is also presented.

Natribaculum breve gen. nov., sp. nov. and Natribaculum longum sp. nov., halophilic archaea isolated from saline soil.

Two halophilic archaeal strains, TRM20010(T) and TRM20345(T), were isolated from saline soil of the Lop Nur region in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells from the two strains were pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-negative and produced red-pigmented colonies. Strains TRM20010(T) and TRM20345(T) were able to grow at 30-62 °C (optimum 37 °C), 0.9-5.1 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 and 3.4 M, respectively) and pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum pH 7.0-7.5) and neither strain required Mg(2+) for growth. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), two glycolipids chromatographically identical to galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (TGD-1) and disulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S2-DGD). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and rpoB' genes revealed that strains TRM20010(T) and TRM20345(T) clustered together and formed a distinct clade separated from the related genera Halovivax, Haloterrigena, Halostagnicola, Natronolimnobius and Natrinema. The DNA G+C contents of strains TRM20010(T) and TRM20345(T) were 63.9 and 63.8 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain TRM20010(T) and strain TRM20345(T) was 42.8 %. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strains TRM20010(T) and TRM20345(T) represent two novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the names Natribaculum breve gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain TRM20010(T) = CCTCC AB2013112(T) = NRRL B-59996(T)) and Natribaculum longum sp. nov. (type strain TRM20345(T) = CCTCC AB2013113(T) = NRRL B-59997(T)) are proposed.

Halorussus ruber sp. nov., isolated from an inland salt lake of China.

Halophilic archaeal strain YC25(T) was isolated from Yuncheng salt lake in Shanxi, China. Cells of strain YC25(T) were observed to be pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-negative, and formed red-pigmented colonies on solid media. Strain YC25(T) was found to be able to grow at 25-50°C (optimum 37°C), at 1.4-4.8M NaCl (optimum 1.7M), at 0-1.0M MgCl2 (optimum 0.01M), and at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum pH 6.5). The cells lysed in distilled water, and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was found to be 8% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (PGS), sulfated galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-TGD-1), sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1), galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (TGD-1), mannosyl glucosyl diether (DGD-1), and an unknown diglycosyl diether (DGD-2) chromatographically identical to those of Halorussus rarus CGMCC 1.10122(T). The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain YC25(T) were phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halorussus rarus CGMCC 1.10122(T) (94.3-95.4 and 91.5% nucleotide identity, respectively). The DNA G+C content of strain YC25(T) was determined to be 63.3mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain YC25(T) (=CGMCC 1.12122(T)=JCM 18363(T)) represents a new species of Halorussus, for which the name Halorussus ruber sp. nov. is proposed.

Isolation of Rhodococcus equi from a mule with cutaneous wound

Rhodococcus equi is an encapsulated gram-positive, pleomorphic rod which exists in the soil and frequently is isolated from the feces of normal herbivores. It is the primary cause of pneumonia in foals. This organism has been isolated from various animals, but isolation from the wound is rarely reported. In May 2013, a 7-month-old Janet (female mule) was referred with some ulcers on the face below the zygomatic process in the right side in dimensions of 2 × 2 cm. Swab samples were taken from the ulcer for bacteriological cultures. The isolated bacteria grew on cysteine tellurite agar. The tests of catalase and nitrate reduction were positive, but urea hydrolysis was negative. The result of the Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen (CAMP) test was positive and “spade showel-shaped” hemolytic pattern was seen in blood agar. The bacteria were identified as R. equi. This organism was susceptible to gentamycin, azithromycin, and erythromycin. The presence of R. equi as a pathogen without pulmonary disease is important because it can cause wound contamination and leads to persistence of the organism in the environment. An exposure to soil contaminated with livestock manure seems to be the most probable mode of infection for this case.