Corynebacterium capitovis sp. nov., from a sheep

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Taxonomy
• Veterinary Dermatology

Background:

• Bacterial skin infections in livestock can pose significant challenges.
• Accurate identification of causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and control.
• The genus Corynebacterium includes various species, some of which are pathogenic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and classify an unknown Gram-positive bacterium isolated from a sheep's infected skin.
• To determine the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics of the novel isolate.
• To propose a new species designation for the identified bacterium.

Main Methods:

• Polyphasic taxonomic analysis including chemical analysis of fatty acids.
• Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic placement.
• Biochemical tests and whole-cell protein electrophoresis for phenotypic characterization.

Main Results:

• Fatty acid profiles revealed short-chain mycolic acids characteristic of the Corynebacterium genus.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed distinct divergence (>3%) from known Corynebacterium species.
• Biochemical and protein analyses confirmed the isolate's unique identity within the genus.

Conclusions:

• The isolated bacterium represents a novel species, proposed as Corynebacterium capitovis sp. nov.
• Phylogenetic and phenotypic data strongly support the classification of this sheep isolate as a new Corynebacterium species.
• The type strain is designated CCUG 39779T (= CIP 106739T).