Corynebacterium phocae sp. nov., isolated from the common seal (Phoca vitulina)

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on four strains of a Gram-positive non-acid-fast coryneform-like organism isolated from the nasal cavities of common seals (Phoca vitulina). Chemotaxonomic investigations revealed the presence of corynomycolic acids in the unidentified isolates, which is consistent with corynebacteria. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that the strains from seals represent a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Corynebacterium sensu stricto. Based on the results of the phylogenetic analysis and phenotypical criteria, it is proposed that the bacterium should be classified as a new species, Corynebacterium phocae. The type strain of Corynebacterium phocae is CCUG 38205T.