Partial rRNA Gene Sequences Research Articles

Microbial community in a pilot-scale bioreactor promoting anaerobic digestion and sulfur-driven denitrification for domestic sewage treatment.

A pilot-scale reactor treating domestic sewage was operated to promote anaerobic digestion and denitrification using endogenous electron donors. While 55 % of organic matter was removed, nitrogen and sulfur showed a different dynamics during the operation. Pyrosequencing analysis clarified this behavior revealing that specific microbial communities inhabited the anaerobic (47.05 % of OTUs) and anoxic (31.39 % of OTUs) chambers. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene partial sequences obtained through pyrosequencing revealed a total of 1727 OTUs clustered at a 3 % distance cutoff. In the anaerobic chamber, microbial community was comprised of fermentative, syntrophic and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The majority of sequences were related to Aminobacterium and Syntrophorhabdus. In the anoxic chamber, the majority of sequences were related to mixotrophic and strictly autotrophic denitrifiers Arcobacter and Sulfuricurvum, respectively, both involved in sulfur-driven denitrification. These results show that pyrosequencing was a powerful tool to investigate the microbial panorama of a complex system, providing new insights to the improvement of the system.

Diversity, bioactivities, and metabolic potentials of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from traditional medicinal plants in Sichuan, China

The present study was designed to determine the taxonomic diversity and metabolic activity of the actinomycetes community, including 13 traditional medicinal plants collected in Sichuan province, China, using multiple approaches such as morphological and molecular identification methods, bioactivity assays, and PCR screening for genes involved in antibiotics biosynthesis. 119 endophytic actinomycetes were recovered; 80 representative strains were chosen for 16S rRNA gene partial sequence analyses, with 66 of them being affiliated to genus Streptomyces and the remaining 14 strains being rare actinomycetes. Antimicrobial tests showed that 12 (15%) of the 80 endophytic actinomycetes displayed inhibitory effects against at least one indicator pathogens, which were all assigned to the genus Streptomyces. In addition, 87.5% and 58.8% of the isolates showed anticancer and anti-diabetic activities, respectively. Meanwhile, the anticancer activities of the isolates negatively correlated with their anti-diabetic activities. Based on the results of PCR screening, five genes, PKS-I, PKS-II, NRPS, ANSA, and oxyB, were detected in 55.0%, 58.8%, 90.0%, 18.8% and 8.8% of the 80 actinomycetes, respectively. In conclusion, the PCR screening method employed in the present study was conducive for screening and selection of potential actinomycetes and predicting potential secondary metabolites, which could overcome the limitations of traditional activity screening models.

알칼리성 단백질 분해효소를 생산하는 토양 분리 호알칼리성 균주의 동정

An alkalophilic microorganism, strain DK1122 producing an alkaline protease was identified. DK1122 was isolated from soil collected in central Korea. The strain DK1122 was Gram-positive, 0.7×2-4 μm in size, and its colony was yellowish white, The strain DK1122 was found to be spore-forming, catalase positive, oxidase positive, caseinolytic, and reduce nitrate to nitrite. The protease was produced aerobically on Horikoshi I agar medium (pH 9.0) with 1% (w/v) skim milk at 40°C for 24 h. Through 16S rRNA gene partial sequencing, the strain DK1122 had the 99.7% sequence similarity to 16S rRNA gene sequence of Bacillus pseudofirmus. Based on the biochemical and physiological properties as well as phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strain was named as Bacillus sp. DK1122. It is expected that Bacillus sp. DK1122 may be a promising candidate for a proudcer of an alkaline protease applicable to the food and detergent industries.

16S rDNA Phylogenetic and RAPD–PCR Analyses of Petroleum Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons-Degrading Bacteria Enriched from Oil-Polluted Soils

Petroleum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are health risks to human, as they can be toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the major petroleum-producing countries, they inevitably suffer from worsening this environmental problem. Therefore, removal of these compounds from the environment is a necessity for ensuring human health. In this study, 54 bacterial isolates were obtained by enrichment techniques from oil-contaminated soil samples. Out of them, seven gram-negative bacterial strains, KKU-J1, KKU-J2, KKU-J4, KKU-J7, KKU-J9, KKU-J14 and KKU-J17, exhibiting ability for petroleum PAHs degradation were selected. The isolates showing the highest growth during screening as demonstrated by the increase in their optical densities (OD600) and a concentration-dependent growth in all examined PAH compounds that grew in it, with strains KKU-J2, KKU-J7 and KKU-J17 were the best. The highest optimum growth rate of \({0.333 \pm 0.0, 0.364 \pm 0.016}\) and \({0.357 \pm 0.004 ({\rm OD}_{600})}\) was recorded for the strains KKU-J2, KKU-J7 and KKU-J17, respectively, when the level of phenanthrene was 100 mg/l. On the other hand, strain KKU-J2 was found to be the best one (\({0.413 \pm 0.0}\)) when the level of naphthalene was 100 mg/l. Molecular identification of the selected isolates was detected based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and partial sequence determination. Alignment results and the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates to the 16S rRNA gene sequences available in GenBank database, as well as the phylogenetic analysis, confirmed the accurate position of the isolates as Sphingomonas paucimobilis KKU-J1, Pseudomonas alcaligenes KKU-J2, Micrococcus antarcticus KKU-J4, Arthrobacter oxydans KKU-J7, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila KKU-J9, Kocuria rhizophila KKU-J14 and Shinella zoogloeoides KKU-J17. RAPD–PCR fingerprinting was carried out for the seven isolates, and the DNA patterns revealed that there is no correlation between the RAPD profile and geographic origin sites where these isolates were collected from. This study indicates that the contaminated soil samples contain a diverse population of PAH-degrading bacteria, and the use of soil-associated microorganisms could be recommended for PAHs bioremediation in the environment.

Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius isolates.

The fruit juice industry recognizes Alicyclobacillus as a major quality control target micro-organism. In this study, we analysed 19 bacterial isolates to identify Alicyclobacillus species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing analyses. Phenotypic and genomic diversity among isolates were investigated by API 50CHB system and ERIC-PCR (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR) respectively. All bacterial isolates were identified as Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, and almost all showed identical DNA sequences according to their 16S rRNA (rDNA) gene partial sequences. Only few carbohydrates were fermented by A.acidocaldarius isolates, and there was little variability in the biochemical profile. Genotypic fingerprinting of the A.acidocaldarius isolates showed high diversity, and clusters by ERIC-PCR were distinct to those obtained from the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic tree. There was no correlation between phenotypic and genotypic variability in the A.acidocaldarius isolates analysed in this study. Detection of Alicyclobacillus strains is imperative in fruit concentrates and juices due to the production of guaiacol. Identification of the genera originates rejection of the product by processing industry. However, not all the Alicyclobacillus species are deteriorative and hence the importance to differentiate among them. In this study, partial 16S ribosomal RNA sequence alignment allowed the differentiation of species. In addition, ERIC-PCR was introduced for the genotypic characterization of Alicyclobacillus, as an alternative for differentiation among isolates from the same species.

Pseudomonas alkylphenolica sp. nov., a bacterial species able to form special aerial structures when grown on p-cresol.

Pseudomonas sp. KL28T is an aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that was isolated from the soil of Changwon, South Korea, based on its ability to grow in the presence of linear alkylphenols (C1-C5). Despite several studies on strain KL28T, it could not be assigned to any known species in the genus Pseudomonas. The name 'Pseudomonas alkylphenolia' was proposed for KL28T, but the strain had not until now been characterized taxonomically and the name currently has no standing in the bacterial nomenclature. A 16S rRNA gene sequence based phylogenetic analysis suggested an affiliation of strain KL28T with the Pseudomonas putida group, with Pseudomonas vranovensis DSM 16006T as the most closely related type strain (99.1 % similarity). A multilocus phylogenetic sequence analysis performed by concatenating 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoD and rpoB partial gene sequences showed that isolate KL28T could be differentiated from P. vranovensis DSM 16006T (sequence similarity 93.7 %). Genomic comparisons of strain KL28T with the type strains of the species in the P. putida group using average nucleotide index based on blast (ANIb) and genome-to genome distances (GGDC) revealed 87.06 % and 32.20 % similarities with P. vranovensis DSM 16006T, respectively, as the closest type strain. Both values are far from the thresholds established for species differentiation. These results, together with differences in phenotypic features and chemotaxonomic analyses [fatty acids and whole-cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS], support the proposal of strain KL28T ( = JCM 16553T = KCTC 22206T) as the type strain of a novel species, for which the formerly proposed name, 'P. alkylphenolia', is correctly latinized as Pseudomonas alkylphenolica sp. nov.

Description of the Microsporidian Parasite, Heterosporis sutherlandae n. sp., Infecting Fish in the Great Lakes Region, USA.

Heterosporosis is an increasingly important microsporidian disease worldwide, impacting wild and farmed raised fishes in both marine and freshwater environments. A previously undescribed species (Heterosporis sp.), with widespread distribution in the Great Lakes region, was the subject of this study. Three angler-caught fish were submitted to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2009–2010 with lesions caused by intracellular proliferation of parasitic spores, resulting in destruction and eventual widespread necrosis of the host skeletal muscles. Mature ovoid (5.8 x 3.5μm) spores of a microsporidian parasite, consistent with the genus Heterosporis, were observed by light and electron microscopy. Molecular identification was performed using primer walking to obtain a near-complete rRNA gene sequence (~3,600 bp). A unique species of Heterosporis was identified, demonstrating less than 96% sequence identity to other published Heterosporis sp. on the basis of partial rRNA gene sequence analysis. Heterosporis sutherlandae n. sp. (formerly Heterosporis sp.) was identified in yellow perch (Perca flavescens), northern pike (Esox lucius) and walleye (Sander vitreus) from inland lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Previous research suggests this species may be even more widespread in the Great Lakes region and should be reexamined using molecular techniques to better understand the distribution of this novel species.

EVALUATION OF CHITINOLYTIC GUT MICROBIOTA IN SOME CARPS AND OPTIMIZATION OF CULTURE CONDITIONS FOR CHITINASE PRODUCTION BY THE SELECTED BACTERIA

Present study was aimed at isolation of autochthonous chitinase-producing bacteria from the gastrointestinal tracts of 3 Indian Major Carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala) and 3 exotic carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio). Altogether, 119 bacteria were isolated from both the proximal and distal intestine and screened for chitinolytic activity. On the basis of chitin hydrolysis zone, 63 isolates were primarily selected for chitinase production, from which 34 potent strains were further studied for quantitative enzyme assay. Amongst them, the strains HMH1 and CMF2 exhibited potent chitinolytic activity and were identified as Bacillus pumilus (KF454036) and Bacillus flexus (KF454035), respectively by 16S rRNA partial gene sequence analysis. Optimization of various fermentation parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, inoculums size, surfactant, colloidal chitin concentration, incubation time, carbon sources, organic and inorganic nitrogen sources) were carried out in chitinase production medium. Incubation for 72 h at 350C and initial pH 7.5 revealed optimum chitinase productions by B. pumilus HMH1 in the media supplemented with colloidal chitin 0.1% (w/v), maltose 2% (w/v), ammonium sulphate 1.0% (w/v) and Tween-80 0.2% (v/v). However, B. flexus CMF2 required 48 h incubation at 35°C and initial pH 8.0 with colloidal chitin 0.15% (w/v), sucrose 1% (w/v), yeast extract 2.0% (w/v) and Tween-20 0.2% (v/v) supplementation for optimum yield. The results indicate that there is ample scope for further research to appraise fish gut microorganisms for chitinase production or as probiotics to improve feed efficiency in fish.

Two new Phragmidium species identified on Rosa plants native to China

Two new Phragmidium species, Phragmidium zhouquensis and Ph. longissima, were identified on two native plants, Rosa omeiensis and R. lichiangensis respectively, during an investigation of the occurrence of rust fungi in western China. Phragmidium zhouquensis is mainly characterized by 3–9-celled teliospores bearing minute verrucae on the surface. Phragmidium longissima differs from other Phragmidium species in that it possesses echinulate urediniospores with a pore membrane at the germ pore. Phylogenetic analyses based on 28S rRNA partial gene sequences revealed that specimens of Ph. zhouquensis and Ph. longissima formed two distinct lineages. Phragmidium longissima is the first Phragmidium species to be identified on R. lichiangensis.

Two new rust fungi of Thekopsora on Cornus (Cornaceae) from western China

During the investigation of rust fungi collected in western China, two morphologically different rusts were found on Cornus plants. From uredinial and telial morphology, they belong to Thekopsora, and they were distinct from previously described Pucciniastrum corni on Cornus and other Thekopsora species. Therefore, they were described as new species, Thekopsora lanpingensis and T. triangula, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses by ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S rRNA gene partial sequences also supported the morphological results. The previously described Pucciniastrum corni in China was corrected as T. triangula. The presence of P. corni in China was not confirmed.

Isolation of haemolytic bacilli from field-collected Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides peregrinus: potential vectors of bluetongue virus in West Bengal, India.

Two haemolytic bacterial strains of Bacillus pumilus (CU1A, CU1B) and one blood-utilizing strain of Bacillus licheniformis (CU2B) were isolated from relatively low numbers of field-collected females of Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). A total of 36 females, including 18 of each of C. oxystoma and C. peregrinus (consisting of one and a pool of eight blood-engorged specimens, and one and a pool of eight non-engorged specimens for each species), were tested. In C. oxystoma, all three strains of bacteria were isolated from the one non-engorged, the pool of non-engorged and the pool of blood-engorged females tested, but CU1A and CU2B were not found in the one blood-engorged female tested. In C. peregrinus, all three strains were present in the pool of blood-engorged females. However, the strain CU2B was not found in the pool of non-engorged females. In the one blood-engorged and one non-engorged female tested, CU1A and CU2B were detected. The bacterial strains were identified based on Gram staining, enzyme activity (amylase and protease) and alignment of the 16S rRNA partial gene sequence to that available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database GenBank. The functional role and significance of these haemolytic and blood-digesting bacteria within the genus Culicoides remain to be determined.

Biochemical and Molecular Phylogenetic Study of Agriculturally Useful Association of a Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacterium and Nodule Sinorhizobium with Medicago sativa L.

Seed inoculation with bacterial consortium was found to increase legume yield, providing a higher growth than the standard nitrogen treatment methods. Alfalfa plants were inoculated by mono- and binary compositions of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. Their physiological and biochemical properties were estimated. Inoculation by microbial consortium of Sinorhizobium meliloti T17 together with a new cyanobacterial isolate Nostoc PTV was more efficient than the single-rhizobium strain inoculation. This treatment provides an intensification of the processes of biological nitrogen fixation by rhizobia bacteria in the root nodules and an intensification of plant photosynthesis. Inoculation by bacterial consortium stimulates growth of plant mass and rhizogenesis and leads to increased productivity of alfalfa and to improving the amino acid composition of plant leaves. The full nucleotide sequence of the rRNA gene cluster and partial sequence of the dinitrogenase reductase (nifH) gene of Nostoc PTV were deposited to GenBank (JQ259185.1, JQ259186.1). Comparison of these gene sequences of Nostoc PTV with all sequences present at the GenBank shows that this cyanobacterial strain does not have 100% identity with any organisms investigated previously. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this cyanobacterium clustered with high credibility values with Nostoc muscorum.

Molecular Identification of Rhizobium Isolates Nodulating Faba Bean Plants in Egyptian Soils

Eleven isolates of Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiovar. Viciae were isolated from root nodules of Vicia faba L. cultivated in 11 fields and represent different governorates in Egypt. The genetic diversity among the isolates was studied using the 16S rRNA gene partial sequence. The phylogenetic analysis formed two groups of isolates and the values of genetic distances were variable among the studied isolates. The highest value of genetic distance was between the isolates RL6 of North Sinai and RL8 of Dakhalia, while the lowest value was between isolates RL9 of Giza and RL10 of Sharkia. The isolates were evaluated for their tolerance to heavy metals using concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2 mM of heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Zn). The ability to resist the heavy metals decreased with increase in concentration. At the highest concentration (2 mM), No growth was obtained with addition of Zn and Mn to the growth media, however only 27% of isolates could survive with the same concentration of Pb.

Genetic diversity of culturable endophytic bacteria in the roots of wild and greenhouse Cymbidium faberi

Cymbidium faberi is a representative species of Cymbidium with high ornamental and economic value. Investigating the diversity of C. faberi’s endophytic bacteria not only enriches endophytic bacterial resources, but also provides basic data on orchid-microbe interactions. We investigated the genetic diversity of culturable endophytic bacteria in the roots of wild C. faberi from Tianmu Mountain, Zhejiang Province and C. faberi grown in a greenhouse for one year. Culture-dependent methods were used to isolate endophytic bacteria from the roots of C. faberi. The diversity of these bacteria was investigated using 16S rRNA gene partial sequence analysis. A total of 97 strains were isolated from the interior of wild C. faberi roots. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the 97 isolates were affiliated with 13 genera of Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Firmicutes. The dominant group was Gammaproteobacteria (86.60%), and the dominant genus was Lelliottia (26.80%). A total of 52 endophytic strains were isolated from the roots of C. faberi grown in the greenhouse. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the 52 isolates were grouped into 9 genera of Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The dominant group was Betaproteobacteria (48.08%), and the dominant genus was Herbaspirillum (34.62%). The strain ehR17 was identified as a potential novel species. For C. faberi, the diversity of culturable endophytic bacteria was higher from the wild Tianmu Mountain population than from plants grown in the greenhouse for one year. Community structure of endophytic bacteria was closely related to plant growth environment. 62 生 物 多 样 性 Biodiversity Science 第 23卷

Montenegrospeum Pešić et Glöer, 2013: a representative of moitessieriidae?

The paper deals with phylogenetic relationships of recently described Montenegrospeum bogici Pesic et Gloer, 2012 from central Bosnia. The female reproductive system was found to bear two receptacula seminis. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and nuclear 18S rRNA gene partial sequences were used for the maximum likelihood phylogenetic inference. Morphological and molecular data are congruent: Montenegrospeum does not belong to the Moitessieriidae, and is phylogenetically remote from Bythiospeum; it belongs to the Hydrobiidae, subfamily Sadlerianinae, and its sister taxon is Dalmatinella Radoman, 1973 (bootstrap support 87%). key words: Truncatelloidea, Moitessieriidae, Sadlerianinae, female reproductive organs, COI, 18S rRNA, molecular phylogeny

Ulva flexuosa (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) inhabiting inland aquatic ecosystems: molecular, morphological and ecological discrimination of subspecies

Species of Ulva (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) are relatively common macroalgae in most coastal areas. In this paper, we examine Ulva in inland aquatic ecosystems to determine relationships between the chemical parameters of the water and the Ulva taxa present. Two groups of samples of freshwater Ulva were selected from: (i) habitats with high salinity levels, and (ii) habitats with fresh or slightly saline waters. We showed that these two groups of Ulva, which occupy distinct habitats, represent two separate taxa. The first group represents Ulva flexuosa subsp. pilifera (Kützing) M.J. Wynne, which is very common and regularly encountered in fresh waters, but is equally well represented in slightly saline waters. The second is U. flexuosa subsp. paradoxa (C. Agardh) M.J. Wynne, which is less common, preferring mainly salt-wedge saline waters. We did not find both Ulva flexuosa subspecies together at any of the research sites.There were significant morphological differences between the Ulva flexuosa subspecies. Ulva flexuosa subsp. pilifera had longer and wider thalli and wider cells than those of subsp. paradoxa. Ulva flexuosa subsp. paradoxa cells were longer and of greater circumference than those of subsp. pilifera. Analyses of the rRNA ITS region and partial rbcL gene sequences demonstrated minor sequence variation within the two subspecies. The results of this study provide detailed information on the characteristics of limnic Ulva habitats and indicate the niches where such populations are likely to occur.

Characterization of Gram-negative psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from Italian bulk tank milk.

Eighty psychrotrophic bacterial strains, isolated from different northwest Italian bulk tank milks destined for Grana Padano cheese production, were identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification and partial sequence analysis of the rpoB gene. Pseudomonas spp. were the most commonly occurring contaminants, P. fluorescens being the predominant isolated species, along with Enterobacteriaceae, primarily Serratia marcescens. RAPD-PCR was used to study genetic variability and distinguish closely related strains; a high degree of genetic heterogeneity among the strains was highlighted. All the strains were characterized for their ability to produce proteases, lipases and lecithinases at different temperatures (7, 22, and 30 °C). Forty-one of the psychrotrophic strains were positive for all the enzymatic activities. The highest number of positive strains for all the incubation temperatures was found for lipolytic activity (59), followed by proteolytic (31) and lecithinase (28) activities, and the enzymatic traits varied among the Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae strains. The proteolytic psychrotrophic strains were screened for the presence of the aprX gene, coding for a heat-resistant metalloprotease in Pseudomonas spp. The aprX gene was detected in 19 of 63 Pseudomonas strains, and was widespread in the P. fluorescens strains (14/19). PRATICAL APPLICATION: The study provides new data on the enzymatic activity of Gram-negative psychrotrophic bacteria, useful in developing strategies to control the proteo-lipolytic spoilage of raw and processed milk that causes gelation, off-flavors, and loss of sensory quality and shelf life.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of H2 S-positive and H2 S-negative strains of Shewanella baltica isolated from spoiled whiting (Merlangius merlangus).

Four strains were isolated from a spoiled whiting (Merlangius merlangus). All of them were able to grow aerobically from 4 to 30°C and also able to develop anaerobically in the presence of trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) at 25°C. Biochemical characterization did not allow identification of the strains species but showed that one of the four strains was unable to produce H2 S. Two strains synthetized an ornithine decarboxylase being potential putrescine producers. Results of carbon source use highlighted that the four strains were able to use citrate and d-sucrose and one strain was not able to use l-arabinose. Genotypic characterization of the strains thanks to 16S rRNA and gyrB partial gene sequencing led to their identification as members of Shewanella baltica species. These observations suggest that H2 S production may not be the most appropriate screening parameter for Shewanella species and further to monitor the development of spoilage flora. Shewanella is a complex genus composed of numerous and heterogeneous species. One of them Shewanella baltica has previously been described as one of the most important H2 S-producing bacterial species in iced stored fish and may act as spoilage organism through the reduction of trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO). Four strains of S.baltica were isolated from spoiled whiting (Merlangius merlangus), and description of three H2 S-positive strains and one H2 S-negative strain of S.baltica is highlighted in this short paper. Consequently, H2 S production might not be the most appropriate screening parameter to assess the development of spoilage organisms.

Pseudoscardovia radai sp. nov., a representative of the family Bifidobacteriaceae isolated from the digestive tract of a wild pig (Sus scrofa scrofa)

Presence of bifidobacteria and representatives of the new genus Pseudoscardovia within the family Bifidobacteriaceae in the digestive tract of wild pigs has been reported recently. Results based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of a new fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase-positive bacterial isolate originated from the small intestine of a wild pig revealed a relationship to Pseudoscardovia suis DPTE4T (96.8% sequence similarity). Phylogenetic and comparative analyses based on 16S rRNA, hsp60, xfp, fusA, tuf and rpoC partial gene sequences confirmed relationship of the new bacterial strain to Pseudoscardovia suis compared with bifidobacteria species occurring in the digestive tract of domestic and wild pigs. Differences in utilization of various substrates, production of enzymes, cell morphology, peptidoglycan structure, profile of cellular fatty acids and polar lipids between the new bacterial isolate designated as DPVI-TET3T and P. suis DPTE4T allow to establish a new bacterial taxon for which the name Pseudoscardovia radai sp. nov. (= DPVI/TET3T = CCM 7943T = DSM 24742T) was proposed.

Diversity of cyanobacteria on stone monuments and building facades of India and their phylogenetic analysis

Many archaeologically important stone temples, caves, mortar monuments with artistic expression as well as building facades of India are now disfigured due to colonization of cyanobacterial biofilms leading to weathering of the substratum. They are composed of species principally belonging to the genera Hassallia, Tolypothrix, Scytonema, Lyngbya and Calothrix, which appeared soon after wetting of the biofilms. Several other species of genera Aulosira, Nostoc, Camptylonema, Dichothrix, Chlorogloeopsis and Westiellopsis occurred as associated organisms as they appeared upon prolonged culture of the biofilms. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing of all these 24 cyanobacteria species under 11 genera isolated from the surfaces of monuments and building facades of India along with those of other species isolated from stone surfaces in subaerial habitats and hypogeal environments in different regions of the globe showed that those species from tropical regions were clustered together, quite different from cyanobacteria of the genera Chroococcidiopsis, Leptolyngbya, Phormidium, Nostoc, Rexia, Symphyonemopsis, Scytonema, Tolypothrix and Calothrix occurring in the temperate regions.