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Actinobaculum urinale sp. nov., from human urine
Val Hall1, Matthew D Collins2, Roger A Hutson2
1Anaerobe Reference Unit, PHLS, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK.
Summary
A novel bacterium, Actinobaculum urinale sp. nov., was identified in human urine. This discovery expands the Actinobaculum genus, with implications for understanding urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Genomics
Background:
- Actinomyces-like bacteria are increasingly recognized as human pathogens.
- The genus Actinobaculum currently comprises two species: Actinobaculum schaalii and Actinobaculum suis.
- These bacteria are often associated with urinary tract infections, particularly in specific patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and classify a previously undescribed bacterium isolated from human urine.
- To determine the phylogenetic relationship of the novel isolate to known bacterial taxa.
- To propose a new species within the Actinobaculum genus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and biochemical characterization of the bacterium from human urine samples.
- Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
- Phenotypic and genotypic data integration for taxonomic classification.
Main Results:
- A novel Actinomyces-like bacterium was isolated and phenotypically characterized.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed significant divergence (>5%) from known Actinobaculum species.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its placement within the Actinobaculum genus, distinct from existing species.
Conclusions:
- The isolated bacterium represents a new species, proposed as Actinobaculum urinale sp. nov.
- This finding expands the known diversity within the Actinobaculum genus.
- Actinobaculum urinale may play a role in human urinary tract infections, warranting further investigation.