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Published on: September 10, 2016
Lactobacillus similis sp. nov., isolated from fermented cane molasses
Maki Kitahara1, Mitsuo Sakamoto1, Yoshimi Benno1
1Microbe Division/Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Center, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
Summary
A novel Lactobacillus species, Lactobacillus similis, was identified from fermented cane molasses. This bacterium was previously misidentified as Lactobacillus buchneri but is genetically distinct based on 16S rRNA sequencing and ribotyping.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Taxonomy
Background:
- Strain JCM 2765(T) from fermented cane molasses was initially identified as Lactobacillus buchneri.
- Previous identification relied on biochemical and physiological characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the taxonomic position of strain JCM 2765(T).
- To determine the precise phylogenetic relationships of the isolate within the Lactobacillus genus.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis.
- Ribotyping for phylogenetic analysis.
- Phenotypic characterization and DNA-DNA hybridization.
Main Results:
- 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed low similarity to Lactobacillus buchneri (92.5%) and high similarity to Lactobacillus collinoides (97.6%) and Lactobacillus paracollinoides (98.0%).
- Ribotyping and DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed strain JCM 2765(T) as distinct from related species.
- Phenotypic data further supported its unique taxonomic status.
Conclusions:
- Strain JCM 2765(T) represents a novel species within the Lactobacillus genus.
- The proposed name for this new species is Lactobacillus similis sp. nov.
- The type strain is JCM 2765(T) (=LMG 23904(T)).
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