Staphylococcus pseudoxylosus sp. nov., isolated from bovine mastitis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Veterinary Science

Background:

• Bovine mastitis is a significant concern in dairy farming, often caused by bacterial infections.
• Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are frequently implicated in bovine mastitis, necessitating accurate species identification.
• Distinguishing between closely related CoNS species is crucial for understanding pathogenesis and implementing effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and formally propose a novel Staphylococcus species isolated from a case of bovine mastitis.
• To differentiate the novel isolate from closely related coagulase-negative staphylococci using comprehensive genotypic and phenotypic methods.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
• Whole-genome sequencing to determine average nucleotide identity (ANI) and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values.
• Phenotypic characterization including biochemical tests (e.g., urease activity, xylose fermentation).

Main Results:

• Strain S04009^T, isolated from bovine mastitis, is a Gram-positive, coagulase-negative staphylococcus.
• Genomic analysis showed <95% ANI and <70% DDH values compared to related species like *Staphylococcus xylosus*.
• Phenotypic tests revealed that S04009^T ferments xylose but lacks urease activity, distinguishing it from *S. xylosus*.

Conclusions:

• Strain S04009^T represents a novel species, *Staphylococcus pseudoxylosus* sp. nov.
• The proposed species is differentiated from its closest relatives by specific genotypic and phenotypic traits.
• Accurate identification of *Staphylococcus pseudoxylosus* is important for veterinary microbiology and disease management.