Arcobacter lekithochrous sp. nov., isolated from a molluscan hatchery

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Bacterial taxonomy
• Aquaculture microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial isolates were obtained from great scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae and hatchery tank seawater in Norway.
• Characterization of these isolates is crucial for understanding the microbial environment in scallop hatcheries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize four bacterial strains using a polyphasic approach.
• To determine if these strains represent a novel species within the genus Arcobacter.

Main Methods:

• Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic analyses were performed.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted.
• In silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity calculations were used for genomic comparison.

Main Results:

• All four strains were Gram-negative, motile rods requiring sea salts for growth.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct lineage within the Arcobacter genus (94.77-95.32% 16S rRNA gene similarity).
• Genomic data confirmed the isolates represent a novel Arcobacter species, Arcobacter lekithochrous sp. nov., with a DNA G+C content of 28.7%.

Conclusions:

• The four isolated strains represent a new species, Arcobacter lekithochrous.
• This finding contributes to the taxonomic knowledge of the Arcobacter genus.
• The study provides a basis for further research into the ecology and potential impact of this novel bacterium in marine environments.