Spiroplasma leucomae sp. nov., isolated in Poland from white satin moth (Leucoma salicis L.) larvae

Spiroplasma sp. strain SMA(T), isolated in Poland from white satin moth larvae, Leucoma salicis L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), was serologically distinct from other Spiroplasma species, groups or subgroups. Dark-field microscopy of the cells revealed the classical helical shape and subsequent transmission electron microscopy revealed cells surrounded by only a single cell membrane (lacking a cell wall). Growth of strain SMA(T) occurred in M1D medium at 30 degrees C. Strain SMA(T) catabolized both glucose and arginine, but did not hydrolyse urea. The G+C content of the DNA was 24+/-1 mol% as determined by melting temperature analysis. Serological analysis revealed a very weak cross-reactivity (positive reaction only up to a 1 : 80 dilution) with two Spiroplasma strains, 277F (Spiroplasma sp. group I-4) and LB-12 (Spiroplasma sp. group I-5). Strain SMA(T) (=ATCC BAA-521T=NBRC 100392T) is designated the type strain of a novel species, Spiroplasma leucomae sp. nov. (class Mollicutes: order Entomoplasmatales: family Spiroplasmataceae).