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Sphingopyxis witflariensis sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge.
Peter Kämpfer1, Reinhard Witzenberger, Ewald B M Denner
1Institut für Angewandte Mikrobiologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, IFZ-Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, D-35392 Giessen, Germany. peter.kaempfer@agrar.uni-giessen.de
Summary
A novel bacterium, Sphingopyxis witflariensis sp. nov., was identified from a wastewater treatment plant. This Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium is distinguished by its unique cellular composition and genetic makeup, establishing it as a new species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Proteobacteria classification
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants harbor diverse microbial communities.
- Accurate bacterial classification is crucial for understanding ecological roles and potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify a novel bacterial isolate, strain W-50(T), from a wastewater treatment plant.
- To determine if strain W-50(T) represents a new species within the Sphingopyxis genus.
Main Methods:
- Polyphasic taxonomic approach including phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular analyses.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA-DNA hybridization.
- Analysis of cellular fatty acids, polar lipids, and polyamine content.
Main Results:
- Strain W-50(T) is Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, oxidase-positive, and yellow-pigmented.
- Chemotaxonomic data (Ubiquinone Q-10, sphingoglycolipid) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed it within the alpha-4 Proteobacteria.
- DNA-DNA hybridization values were below 70% with closely related species, indicating distinctness.
Conclusions:
- Strain W-50(T) is phenotypically and genotypically distinct from known Sphingopyxis species.
- The novel species Sphingopyxis witflariensis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain W-50(T) as the type strain.
- This finding expands the known diversity within the Sphingopyxis genus.