Corallococcus caeni sp. nov., a novel myxobacterium isolated from activated sludge

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Bacteriology

Background:

• Myxobacteria are known for their complex life cycles and ecological roles.
• Activated sludge systems are crucial for wastewater treatment and harbor diverse microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize novel myxobacterial strains from municipal sewage wastewater.
• To determine the taxonomic and phylogenetic placement of newly isolated strains within the Corallococcus genus.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bacterial strains from activated sludge.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
• Genome-based analyses including orthoANI and dDDH for taxonomic classification.
• Chemotaxonomic analysis of cellular fatty acids and respiratory quinones.

Main Results:

• Two strains, KH5-1T and NO1, were isolated and identified as myxobacteria.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed the strains within the genus Corallococcus, closely related to Corallococcus exercitus.
• Genome comparisons indicated that the strains represent a new species.
• Cellular fatty acid profiles and menaquinone-MK-8 were characteristic.
• The proposed name for the new species is Corallococcus caeni sp. nov.

Conclusions:

• Strains KH5-1T and NO1 represent a novel species, Corallococcus caeni sp. nov.
• This discovery adds to the known diversity of myxobacteria in wastewater treatment environments.
• The findings contribute to the taxonomic understanding of the genus Corallococcus.