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Mycobacterium hiberniae sp. nov
J Kazda1, R Cooney, M Monaghan
1Research Institute for Experimental Biology and Medicine, Borstel, Germany.
International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
A new species of slowly growing, rose-pigmented mycobacteria was discovered in Ireland. Named Mycobacterium hiberniae, it is nonpathogenic and distinct from other known mycobacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycobacteriology
Background:
- Scotochromogenic, slowly growing mycobacteria are increasingly recognized in environmental samples.
- Characterization of novel mycobacterial species is crucial for understanding microbial diversity and potential ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and classify a novel group of mycobacteria isolated from Irish sphagnum vegetation, moss, and soil.
- To determine the phylogenetic and taxonomic position of these unique isolates.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization including growth conditions, enzymatic activities, and biochemical tests.
- Analysis of mycolate patterns and pyrolysis products.
- Phylogenetic analysis using evolutionary distance values and DNA-DNA hybridization.
Main Results:
- The isolates exhibited unique rose-pink pigmentation and specific growth characteristics (22, 31, 37°C; not 45°C).
- They possessed acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase, reduced nitrate, and were resistant to most antituberculous drugs except ethambutol.
- Phylogenetic and DNA-DNA hybridization data confirmed the isolates represent a new species, distinct from M. nonchromogenicum, M. terrae, M. triviale, and M. thermoresistibile.
- The new species, Mycobacterium hiberniae, was nonpathogenic in animal models but induced hypersensitivity reactions.
Conclusions:
- The study describes a novel species of nonpathogenic, slowly growing mycobacteria, Mycobacterium hiberniae.
- This discovery expands the known diversity of environmental mycobacteria and highlights their unique characteristics.