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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
07:52
Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice
Published on: May 1, 2021
Staphylococcus microti sp. nov., isolated from the common vole (Microtus arvalis)
Dana Nováková1, Roman Pantůček2, Zdeněk Hubálek3
1Masaryk University, Institute of Experimental Biology, Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Tvrdého 14, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
Summary
Two novel Staphylococcus species were identified in voles with Brucella microti infection. These Gram-positive cocci represent a new species, Staphylococcus microti, distinct from known staphylococci.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Taxonomy
Background:
- Brucella microti infections in common voles can harbor other bacterial species.
- Identifying novel bacterial species is crucial for understanding host-pathogen interactions and microbial diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and identify two novel Gram-positive cocci strains isolated from infected voles.
- To determine if these isolates represent a new species within the Staphylococcus genus.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Detailed characterization including ribotyping, gene sequencing (rpoB, hsp60), whole-cell protein analysis, and DNA-DNA hybridization.
- Phenotypic analysis of biochemical features, fatty acid composition, isoprenoid quinones, and polar lipids.
Main Results:
- The two isolated strains belong to the genus Staphylococcus, with Staphylococcus muscae as the closest relative.
- Comprehensive analyses, including DNA-DNA hybridization (26.8% reassociation), confirmed they represent a novel species.
- Phenotypic characteristics included coagulase-negative, novobiocin-susceptible, and oxidase-negative cultures, with distinct ribotype profiles.
Conclusions:
- The two isolates represent a novel staphylococcal species, proposed as Staphylococcus microti sp. nov.
- This finding expands the known diversity of Staphylococcus species and their potential hosts.
- The study provides a detailed taxonomic description of the new species.
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