Geoffrey Foster - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Geoffrey Foster

Nature

The discovery of antibiotics more than 80 years ago has led to considerable improvements in human... more The discovery of antibiotics more than 80 years ago has led to considerable improvements in human and animal health. Although antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria is ancient, resistance in human pathogens is thought to be a modern phenomenon that is driven by the clinical use of antibiotics1. Here we show that particular lineages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—a notorious human pathogen—appeared in European hedgehogs in the pre-antibiotic era. Subsequently, these lineages spread within the local hedgehog populations and between hedgehogs and secondary hosts, including livestock and humans. We also demonstrate that the hedgehog dermatophyte Trichophyton erinacei produces two β-lactam antibiotics that provide a natural selective environment in which methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates have an advantage over susceptible isolates. Together, these results suggest that methicillin resistance emerged in the pre-antibiotic era as a co-evolutionary adaptation ...

Veterinary Pathology, 2006

More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during sprin... more More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies and extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well as examination of the pattern of strandings and variation in weather in recent years, to identify the cause of mortality and potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate in 2000 was up to 2.8 times the historic mean. It was preceded by an unusually mild winter, as observed before in mass mortality events of pinnipeds. The primary diagnosis in 11 of 13 seals was canine distemper, characterized by broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in lymphoid organs, and the presence of typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in multiple epithelia. Canine distemper virus infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine and zinc concentrations in tissues of seals with canine distemper were comparable to those of Caspian seals in previous years. Concurrent bacterial infections that may have contributed to the mortality of the seals included Bordetella bronchiseptica (4/8 seals), Streptococcus phocae (3/8), Salmonella dublin (1/8), and S. choleraesuis (1/8). A newly identified bacterium, Corynebacterium caspium, was associated with balanoposthitis in one seal. Several infectious and parasitic organisms, including poxvirus, Atopobacter phocae, Eimeria-and Sarcocystis-like organisms, and Halarachne sp. were identified in Caspian seals for the first time.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Nov 1, 1999

... nov. Matthew D. Collins, 1 , * Lesley Hoyles, 1 Paul A. Lawson, 1 Enevold Falsen, 2 Robert L.... more ... nov. Matthew D. Collins, 1 , * Lesley Hoyles, 1 Paul A. Lawson, 1 Enevold Falsen, 2 Robert L. Robson, 3 and Geoffrey Foster 4 ... Cladistics 5:164-166. 6. Fernandez-Garayzabal, JF, MD Collins, RA Hutson, E. Fernandez, R. Monasterio, J. Marco, and L. Dominguez. 1997. ...

The sensitivity of a test for cattle shedding Escherichia coli serogroup O26 was estimated using ... more The sensitivity of a test for cattle shedding Escherichia coli serogroup O26 was estimated using several fecal pats artificially inoculated at a range of concentrations with different E. coli O26 strains. The test involves the enrichment of fecal microflora in buffered peptone water, the selective concentration of E. coli O26 using antibody-coated immunomagnetic-separation beads, the identification of E. coli colonies on Chromocult tryptone bile X-glucuronide agar, and confirmation of the serogroup with E. coli serogroup O26-specific antisera using slide agglutination. The effective dose of E. coli O26 for an 80% test sensitivity (ED 80 ) was 1.0 ؋ 10 4 CFU g ؊1 feces (95% confidence interval, 4.7 ؋ 10 3 to 2.4 ؋ 10 4 ). Differences in test sensitivity between different E. coli O26 strains and fecal pats were also observed. Individual estimates of ED 80 for each strain and fecal pat combination ranged from 4.2 ؋ 10 2 to 4.8 ؋ 10 5 CFU g ؊1 . These results suggest that the test is useful for identifying individuals shedding a large number of E. coli O26 organisms or, if an appropriate number of individuals in a herd are sampled, for identifying affected herds. The study also provides a benchmark estimate of sensitivity that can be used to compare alternative tests for E. coli O26 and a methodological approach that can be applied to tests for other pathogenic members of the Enterobacteriaceae and other sample types.

Two strains of an unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccus origin... more Two strains of an unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccus originating from the reproductive tract of horses were characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 165 rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that the two strains constitute a new subline within the lactic-acid group of bacteria, close to, but distinct from, Abiotrophia defectiva, Globicatella sanguinis and close relatives. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from other described Grampositive, catalase-negative cocci by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as €remococcus coleocola gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Eremococcus coleocola is CCUG 38207T.

An unknown Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from skin scrapings from the infected ... more An unknown Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from skin scrapings from the infected head of a sheep and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of straight-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids and short-chain (C 32 -C 36 ) mycolic acids consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the unknown rod was a member of the genus Corynebacterium, with the organism forming a distinct sub-line and displaying greater than 3 % sequence divergence with established species. The unknown Corynebacterium isolate was readily distinguished from recognized species of the genus by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from a sheep be classified in the genus Corynebacterium, as Corynebacterium capitovis sp. nov. The type strain of Corynebacterium capitovis is CCUG 39779 T (l CIP 106739 T ).

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

A previously unknown Gram-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming... more A previously unknown Gram-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, coccus-shaped bacterium (A/G14/99/10 T ), originating from the mouth of a female southern elephant seal, was subjected to a taxonomic analysis. Comparative 16S rRNA gene-sequencing showed that the organism formed a hitherto unknown subline within the catalase-positive, low-G+C, Gram-positive cocci, exhibiting a specific association with species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus. Sequence divergence values of approximately 7 %, together with phenotypic differences, showed the unknown bacterium to be distinct from the two described species of this genus, Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans and Jeotgalicoccus psychrophilus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that strain A/G14/99/10 T =CCUG 42722 T =CIP 107946 T from the mouth of a seal be classified as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus, Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedialis sp. nov.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative c... more Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative coccus isolated from a common otter (Lufra lutra). Comparative 16s rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown bacterium represents a new subline within the genus Vagococcus, close to, but distinct from, Vagococcus fluvialis and Vagococcus salmoninarum. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from the two currently recognized Vagococcus species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Vagococcus lutrae, the type strain of which is CCUG 39187T.

British Medical Journal, 1997

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2001

An Actinomyces-like bacterium was recovered from two dogs. Based on cellular morphology and bioch... more An Actinomyces-like bacterium was recovered from two dogs. Based on cellular morphology and biochemical criteria, the unknown bacterium resembled the genus Actinomyces but it did not appear to correspond to any of the currently recognized species of this genus. PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins confirmed that the strain was phenotypically distinct from all other Actinomyces species and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium represents an unknown sub-line within the genus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the bacterium from dogs be classified as a new species of the genus Actinomyces, Actinomyces catuli. The type strain of Actinomyces catuli is CCUG 41709 T (l CIP 106507 T ).

International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 1998

International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 1999

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative c... more Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative coccus isolated from a common otter (Lufra lutra). Comparative 16s rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown bacterium represents a new subline within the genus Vagococcus, close to, but distinct from, Vagococcus fluvialis and Vagococcus salmoninarum. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from the two currently recognized Vagococcus species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Vagococcus lutrae, the type strain of which is CCUG 39187T. Facklam, R. R. (1997). Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Vagococcus fluvialis, including strains isolated from human sources. J Clin Microbiol 35, Wallbanks, S., Martinez-Murcia, A. J., Fryer, J. L, Philips, B. A. & Collins, M. D. (1990). 16s rRNA sequence determination for members of the genus Carnobacterium and related lactic acid bacteria and description of Vagococcus salmoninarum sp. nov. Int J Syst Bacteriol40, 224-230. 362-369.

The Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci constitute a phenotypically heterogeneous group of org... more The Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci constitute a phenotypically heterogeneous group of organisms within the Clostridium subphylum of the Grampositive bacteria. In the 1986 edition of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, only six genera of Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci were listed (Sneath et al., 1986). During the past decade, the number of described genera and species of Grampositive, catalase-negative cocci has increased considerably. Some of these new taxa have resulted from the taxonomic reorganization of existing genera, such as Enterococcus and Lactococcus from the genus Streptococcus; Oenococcus and Weissella from the genus Leuconostoc; and Tetragenococcus from the

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2002

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on a hitherto undescribed facultatively anaero... more Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on a hitherto undescribed facultatively anaerobic, catalase-negative, gram-positive rod-shaped organism, strain M577-94T, isolated from the small intestine of a dead badger. It resembled carnobacteria in terms of its long-chain cellular fatty acid composition, but differed markedly from the latter in possessing a cell-wall murein based on L-lysine (type L-Lys-L-Thr-Gly). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unknown bacterium represents a new line closely related to, albeit distinct from, the genera Carnobacterium and Desemzia. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain M577-94T be classified as Isobaculum melis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Isobaculum melis is CCUG 37660T (= DSM 13760T).

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

An unusual gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, coccus-shaped organism that... more An unusual gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, coccus-shaped organism that originated from a juvenile elephant seal was characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unknown coccus represents a new subline within the genus Facklamia. The unknown strain was readily distinguishable from all currently recognized species of the genus Facklamia (Facklamia hominis, Facklamia languida, Facklamia ignava, Facklamia sourekii and Facklamia tabacinasalis) by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Facklamia miroungae sp. nov. The type strain of F. miroungae is CCUG 42728T (= CIP 106764T). F. miroungae is the first member of the genus Facklamia to be isolated from an animal other than man.

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

Two unknown gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from a tortoise and a Scottish wild cat w... more Two unknown gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from a tortoise and a Scottish wild cat were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of straight-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids and short-chain mycolic acids in the two isolates consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the unknown isolates were members of the genus Corynebacterium, with the two organisms displaying greater than 3% sequence divergence from each other and from established species of the genus. The unknown Corynebacterium isolates were readily distinguished from each other and from all recognized species of the genus by biochemical tests. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown organisms from a tortoise and a cat be classified in the genus Corynebacterium as Corynebacterium testudinoris sp. nov. and Corynebacterium felinum sp. nov., respectively. The respective type stra...

The Veterinary record, Jan 10, 2001

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

Two strains of a previously undescribed Arcanobacterium-like bacterium were isolated from a dead ... more Two strains of a previously undescribed Arcanobacterium-like bacterium were isolated from a dead harbour porpoise and a dead sallow deer. Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated that the strains were phenotypically closely related to each other and distinct from previously described Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed the bacterium to be a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Arcanobacterium pluranimalium sp. nov. The type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium is CCUG 42575T (= CIP 106442T).

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were isolated from samples t... more Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were isolated from samples taken from two dead seals and a porpoise. Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated the strains were phenotypically similar to each other but different from previously described Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed the organisms from marine animals were genetically closely related and represent a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Actinomyces (sequence divergence values > 6% with recognized species). Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from the seals and a porpoise should be classified as Actinomyces marimammalium sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 41710T.

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2000

Two strains of a Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium ... more Two strains of a Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from common seals were characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. The two strains closely resembled each other based on their biochemical characteristics, and PAGE analysis of whole-cell protein patterns confirmed their close phenotypic affinity. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the two strains were genetically highly related (99.8% sequence similarity) and that they constitute a new line of descent within the lactic acid group of bacteria. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours of the unknown bacterium were Granulicatella spp., with related taxa such as enterococci, carnobacteria, Desemzia incerta, Lactosphaera pasteurii, Melissococcus plutonius, tetragenococci and vagococci more distantly related. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from seals be classified in a new genus as Atopobacter phocae gen. nov.,...

Nature

The discovery of antibiotics more than 80 years ago has led to considerable improvements in human... more The discovery of antibiotics more than 80 years ago has led to considerable improvements in human and animal health. Although antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria is ancient, resistance in human pathogens is thought to be a modern phenomenon that is driven by the clinical use of antibiotics1. Here we show that particular lineages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—a notorious human pathogen—appeared in European hedgehogs in the pre-antibiotic era. Subsequently, these lineages spread within the local hedgehog populations and between hedgehogs and secondary hosts, including livestock and humans. We also demonstrate that the hedgehog dermatophyte Trichophyton erinacei produces two β-lactam antibiotics that provide a natural selective environment in which methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates have an advantage over susceptible isolates. Together, these results suggest that methicillin resistance emerged in the pre-antibiotic era as a co-evolutionary adaptation ...

Veterinary Pathology, 2006

More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during sprin... more More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Caspian Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies and extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well as examination of the pattern of strandings and variation in weather in recent years, to identify the cause of mortality and potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate in 2000 was up to 2.8 times the historic mean. It was preceded by an unusually mild winter, as observed before in mass mortality events of pinnipeds. The primary diagnosis in 11 of 13 seals was canine distemper, characterized by broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in lymphoid organs, and the presence of typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in multiple epithelia. Canine distemper virus infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine and zinc concentrations in tissues of seals with canine distemper were comparable to those of Caspian seals in previous years. Concurrent bacterial infections that may have contributed to the mortality of the seals included Bordetella bronchiseptica (4/8 seals), Streptococcus phocae (3/8), Salmonella dublin (1/8), and S. choleraesuis (1/8). A newly identified bacterium, Corynebacterium caspium, was associated with balanoposthitis in one seal. Several infectious and parasitic organisms, including poxvirus, Atopobacter phocae, Eimeria-and Sarcocystis-like organisms, and Halarachne sp. were identified in Caspian seals for the first time.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Nov 1, 1999

... nov. Matthew D. Collins, 1 , * Lesley Hoyles, 1 Paul A. Lawson, 1 Enevold Falsen, 2 Robert L.... more ... nov. Matthew D. Collins, 1 , * Lesley Hoyles, 1 Paul A. Lawson, 1 Enevold Falsen, 2 Robert L. Robson, 3 and Geoffrey Foster 4 ... Cladistics 5:164-166. 6. Fernandez-Garayzabal, JF, MD Collins, RA Hutson, E. Fernandez, R. Monasterio, J. Marco, and L. Dominguez. 1997. ...

The sensitivity of a test for cattle shedding Escherichia coli serogroup O26 was estimated using ... more The sensitivity of a test for cattle shedding Escherichia coli serogroup O26 was estimated using several fecal pats artificially inoculated at a range of concentrations with different E. coli O26 strains. The test involves the enrichment of fecal microflora in buffered peptone water, the selective concentration of E. coli O26 using antibody-coated immunomagnetic-separation beads, the identification of E. coli colonies on Chromocult tryptone bile X-glucuronide agar, and confirmation of the serogroup with E. coli serogroup O26-specific antisera using slide agglutination. The effective dose of E. coli O26 for an 80% test sensitivity (ED 80 ) was 1.0 ؋ 10 4 CFU g ؊1 feces (95% confidence interval, 4.7 ؋ 10 3 to 2.4 ؋ 10 4 ). Differences in test sensitivity between different E. coli O26 strains and fecal pats were also observed. Individual estimates of ED 80 for each strain and fecal pat combination ranged from 4.2 ؋ 10 2 to 4.8 ؋ 10 5 CFU g ؊1 . These results suggest that the test is useful for identifying individuals shedding a large number of E. coli O26 organisms or, if an appropriate number of individuals in a herd are sampled, for identifying affected herds. The study also provides a benchmark estimate of sensitivity that can be used to compare alternative tests for E. coli O26 and a methodological approach that can be applied to tests for other pathogenic members of the Enterobacteriaceae and other sample types.

Two strains of an unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccus origin... more Two strains of an unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccus originating from the reproductive tract of horses were characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 165 rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that the two strains constitute a new subline within the lactic-acid group of bacteria, close to, but distinct from, Abiotrophia defectiva, Globicatella sanguinis and close relatives. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from other described Grampositive, catalase-negative cocci by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as €remococcus coleocola gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Eremococcus coleocola is CCUG 38207T.

An unknown Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from skin scrapings from the infected ... more An unknown Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from skin scrapings from the infected head of a sheep and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of straight-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids and short-chain (C 32 -C 36 ) mycolic acids consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the unknown rod was a member of the genus Corynebacterium, with the organism forming a distinct sub-line and displaying greater than 3 % sequence divergence with established species. The unknown Corynebacterium isolate was readily distinguished from recognized species of the genus by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from a sheep be classified in the genus Corynebacterium, as Corynebacterium capitovis sp. nov. The type strain of Corynebacterium capitovis is CCUG 39779 T (l CIP 106739 T ).

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

A previously unknown Gram-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming... more A previously unknown Gram-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, coccus-shaped bacterium (A/G14/99/10 T ), originating from the mouth of a female southern elephant seal, was subjected to a taxonomic analysis. Comparative 16S rRNA gene-sequencing showed that the organism formed a hitherto unknown subline within the catalase-positive, low-G+C, Gram-positive cocci, exhibiting a specific association with species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus. Sequence divergence values of approximately 7 %, together with phenotypic differences, showed the unknown bacterium to be distinct from the two described species of this genus, Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans and Jeotgalicoccus psychrophilus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that strain A/G14/99/10 T =CCUG 42722 T =CIP 107946 T from the mouth of a seal be classified as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Jeotgalicoccus, Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedialis sp. nov.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative c... more Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative coccus isolated from a common otter (Lufra lutra). Comparative 16s rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown bacterium represents a new subline within the genus Vagococcus, close to, but distinct from, Vagococcus fluvialis and Vagococcus salmoninarum. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from the two currently recognized Vagococcus species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Vagococcus lutrae, the type strain of which is CCUG 39187T.

British Medical Journal, 1997

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2001

An Actinomyces-like bacterium was recovered from two dogs. Based on cellular morphology and bioch... more An Actinomyces-like bacterium was recovered from two dogs. Based on cellular morphology and biochemical criteria, the unknown bacterium resembled the genus Actinomyces but it did not appear to correspond to any of the currently recognized species of this genus. PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins confirmed that the strain was phenotypically distinct from all other Actinomyces species and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium represents an unknown sub-line within the genus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the bacterium from dogs be classified as a new species of the genus Actinomyces, Actinomyces catuli. The type strain of Actinomyces catuli is CCUG 41709 T (l CIP 106507 T ).

International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 1998

International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 1999

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative c... more Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Grampositive catalase-negative coccus isolated from a common otter (Lufra lutra). Comparative 16s rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown bacterium represents a new subline within the genus Vagococcus, close to, but distinct from, Vagococcus fluvialis and Vagococcus salmoninarum. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from the two currently recognized Vagococcus species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as a new species, Vagococcus lutrae, the type strain of which is CCUG 39187T. Facklam, R. R. (1997). Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Vagococcus fluvialis, including strains isolated from human sources. J Clin Microbiol 35, Wallbanks, S., Martinez-Murcia, A. J., Fryer, J. L, Philips, B. A. & Collins, M. D. (1990). 16s rRNA sequence determination for members of the genus Carnobacterium and related lactic acid bacteria and description of Vagococcus salmoninarum sp. nov. Int J Syst Bacteriol40, 224-230. 362-369.

The Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci constitute a phenotypically heterogeneous group of org... more The Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci constitute a phenotypically heterogeneous group of organisms within the Clostridium subphylum of the Grampositive bacteria. In the 1986 edition of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, only six genera of Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci were listed (Sneath et al., 1986). During the past decade, the number of described genera and species of Grampositive, catalase-negative cocci has increased considerably. Some of these new taxa have resulted from the taxonomic reorganization of existing genera, such as Enterococcus and Lactococcus from the genus Streptococcus; Oenococcus and Weissella from the genus Leuconostoc; and Tetragenococcus from the

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2002

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on a hitherto undescribed facultatively anaero... more Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on a hitherto undescribed facultatively anaerobic, catalase-negative, gram-positive rod-shaped organism, strain M577-94T, isolated from the small intestine of a dead badger. It resembled carnobacteria in terms of its long-chain cellular fatty acid composition, but differed markedly from the latter in possessing a cell-wall murein based on L-lysine (type L-Lys-L-Thr-Gly). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unknown bacterium represents a new line closely related to, albeit distinct from, the genera Carnobacterium and Desemzia. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain M577-94T be classified as Isobaculum melis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Isobaculum melis is CCUG 37660T (= DSM 13760T).

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

An unusual gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, coccus-shaped organism that... more An unusual gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, coccus-shaped organism that originated from a juvenile elephant seal was characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unknown coccus represents a new subline within the genus Facklamia. The unknown strain was readily distinguishable from all currently recognized species of the genus Facklamia (Facklamia hominis, Facklamia languida, Facklamia ignava, Facklamia sourekii and Facklamia tabacinasalis) by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Facklamia miroungae sp. nov. The type strain of F. miroungae is CCUG 42728T (= CIP 106764T). F. miroungae is the first member of the genus Facklamia to be isolated from an animal other than man.

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

Two unknown gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from a tortoise and a Scottish wild cat w... more Two unknown gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from a tortoise and a Scottish wild cat were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of straight-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids and short-chain mycolic acids in the two isolates consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the unknown isolates were members of the genus Corynebacterium, with the two organisms displaying greater than 3% sequence divergence from each other and from established species of the genus. The unknown Corynebacterium isolates were readily distinguished from each other and from all recognized species of the genus by biochemical tests. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown organisms from a tortoise and a cat be classified in the genus Corynebacterium as Corynebacterium testudinoris sp. nov. and Corynebacterium felinum sp. nov., respectively. The respective type stra...

The Veterinary record, Jan 10, 2001

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

Two strains of a previously undescribed Arcanobacterium-like bacterium were isolated from a dead ... more Two strains of a previously undescribed Arcanobacterium-like bacterium were isolated from a dead harbour porpoise and a dead sallow deer. Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated that the strains were phenotypically closely related to each other and distinct from previously described Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed the bacterium to be a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Arcanobacterium pluranimalium sp. nov. The type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium is CCUG 42575T (= CIP 106442T).

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2001

Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were isolated from samples t... more Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were isolated from samples taken from two dead seals and a porpoise. Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated the strains were phenotypically similar to each other but different from previously described Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed the organisms from marine animals were genetically closely related and represent a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Actinomyces (sequence divergence values > 6% with recognized species). Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from the seals and a porpoise should be classified as Actinomyces marimammalium sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 41710T.

International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology, 2000

Two strains of a Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium ... more Two strains of a Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from common seals were characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. The two strains closely resembled each other based on their biochemical characteristics, and PAGE analysis of whole-cell protein patterns confirmed their close phenotypic affinity. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the two strains were genetically highly related (99.8% sequence similarity) and that they constitute a new line of descent within the lactic acid group of bacteria. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours of the unknown bacterium were Granulicatella spp., with related taxa such as enterococci, carnobacteria, Desemzia incerta, Lactosphaera pasteurii, Melissococcus plutonius, tetragenococci and vagococci more distantly related. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from seals be classified in a new genus as Atopobacter phocae gen. nov.,...