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Four strains, designated dk4302 T , dk4209, xlx-73 T , and xlx-183, were isolated from Tibetan gazelle and red swamp crawfish collected from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Jiangxi Province, PR China. The strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, mucoid, and yellow-pigmented. Strains dk4302 T and dk4209 grew at 10-40 °C and pH 6.0-9.0, while strains xlx-73 T /xlx-183 grew at 15-40 °C and pH 6.0-10.0. Both strains exhibited growth in the presence of up to 3.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences and 652 core genes, respectively, revealed that the four strains formed two distinct clusters in the genus Sphingobacterium . Strains dk4302 T and dk4209 formed a distinct clade with Sphingobacterium hotanense XH4 T and Sphingobacterium humi D1 T . The most closely related strains to xlx-73 T and xlx-183 were Sphingobacterium nematocida M-SX103 T . The DNA G+C contents were 38.9 and 39.8 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between dk4302 T and S. humi D1 T and S. hotanense XH4 T were 19.2 and 21.8 % (19.0 and 21.6 % for strain dk4209), respectively. The corresponding average nucleotide identity (ANI) values were 74.3 and 78.1 % (74.4 and 78.3 % for strain dk4209), respectively. The dDDH values between xlx-73 T (xlx-183) and S. nematocida M-SX103 T was 24.6 % (25.7 %). The corresponding ANI value was 85.7 % (85.5 % for strain xlx-183). The major fatty acid and respiratory quinone of dk4302 T and xlx-73 T were iso-C 15:0 and MK7. The polar lipids identified in all of the novel strains were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphoglycolipids, aminophospholipids, and phospholipids. A total of 61/190 (32.1 %) and 82/190 (43.2 %) carbon substrates were metabolized by strains dk4302 T and xlx-73 T in the Biolog MicroPlates, respectively. Based on the results from this polyphasic taxonomic study, two novel species in the genus Sphingobacteruim are proposed, namely Sphingobacteruim zhuxiongii sp. nov. (type strain dk4302 T =CGMCC 1.16795 T =JCM 33600 T ) and Sphingobacteruimluzhongxinii sp. nov. (type strain xlx-73 T =GDMCC 1.1712 T =JCM 33886 T ).

A bacterial strain designated PU5-4 T was isolated from the mealworm (the larvae of Tenebrio molitor ) intestines. It was identified to be Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, and non-spore-forming. Strain PU5-4 T was observed to grow at 10-40 °C, at pH 7.0-10.0, and in the presence of 0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain PU5-4 T should be assigned to the genus Sphingobacterium . The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain PU5-4 T was closely related to the type strains of Sphingobacterium lactis DSM 22361 T (98.49 %), Sphingobacterium endophyticum NYYP31 T (98.11 %), Sphingobacterium soli NCCP 698 T (97.69 %) and Sphingobacterium olei HAL-9 T (95.73 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone is MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C 15 : 0 , iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 6 c ) and summed feature 9 (iso-C 17 : 0  ω 9 c ). The polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, and six unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain PU5-4 T is 40.24 mol%. The average nucleotide identity of strain PU5-4 T exhibited respective values of 73.88, 73.37, 73.36 and 70.84 % comparing to the type strains of S. lactis DSM 22361 T , S. soli NCCP 698 T , S. endophyticum NYYP31 T and S. olei HAL-9 T , which are below the cut-off level (95-96 %) for species delineation. Based on the above results, strain PU5-4 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium temoinsis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PU5-4 T (=CGMCC 1.61908 T =JCM 36663 T ).

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative and short rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated M6-31 T , was isolated from rice paddy soil sampled in Miryang, Republic of Korea. Growth was observed at 4-35 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 % w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped strain M6-31 T with Sphingobacterium bambusae IBFC2009 T , Sphingobacterium griseoflavum SCU-B140 T and Sphingobacterium solani MLS-26-JM13-11 T in the same clade, with the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 95.8 to 96.6 %. A genome-based phylogenetic tree reconstructed by using all publicly available Sphingobacterium genomes placed strain M6-31 T with S. bambusae KACC 22910 T , ' Sphingobacterium deserti ' ACCC 05744 T , S. griseoflavum CGMCC 1.12966 T and Sphingobacterium paludis CGMCC 1.12801 T . Orthologous average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain M6-31 T and its closely related strains were lower than 74.6 and 22.0 %, respectively. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7, and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C 15 : 0 iso, C 17 : 0 iso 3OH and summed feature 3. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data obtained in this study showed that strain M6-31 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium oryzagri sp. nov. (type strain M6-31 T =KACC 22765 T =JCM 35893 T ) is proposed.

An investigation of the diversity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase producing bacteria associated with camel faeces revealed the presence of a novel bacterial strain designated C459-1 T . It was Gram-stain-negative, short-rod-shaped and non-motile. Strain C459-1 T was observed to grow optimally at 35 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 0 % NaCl on Luria-Bertani agar medium. The cells were found to be positive for catalase and oxidase activities. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as iso-C 15 : 0 , summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 6 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 7 c ) and iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, one sphingophospholipid, two unknown aminophospholipids, three unknown glycolipids and five unknown lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C459-1 T was affiliated with the genus Sphingobacterium and had the highest sequence similarity to Sphingobacterium tabacisoli h337 T (97.0 %) and Sphingobacterium paucimobilis HER1398 T (95.6 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain C459-1 T and S. tabacisoli h337 T were 83.8 and 33.8 %, respectively. Phenotypic characteristics including enzyme activities and carbon source utilization differentiated strain C459-1 T from other Sphingobacterium species. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain C459-1 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium faecale sp. nov. is proposed, with strain is C459-1 T (CGMCC 1.18716 T =KCTC 82381 T ) as the type strain.

Two novel bacterial strains, designated as DN00404 T and DN04309 T , were isolated from aquaculture water and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strains DN00404 T and DN04309 T were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. Cells of DN00404 T were short rod-shaped and those of DN04309 T were long rod-shaped. Strain DN00404 T was found to grow at 15-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and in 0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0 %). Strain DN04309 T was found to grow at 15-45 °C (optimum, 20-37 °C), at pH 5.5-11.0 (optimum, 7.5) and in 0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences revealed that the two strains belonged to the genus Sphingobacterium and were distinct from all known species of this genus. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains and between each of the two strains and related type strains of this genus were well below the recognized thresholds of 95.0-96.0 % ANI and 70.0 % dDDH for species delineation. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains DN00404 T and DN04309 T were 41.6 and 36.0 mol%, respectively. The respiratory quinone in both strains was identified as MK-7, and their major fatty acids were iso-C 15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 6 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 7 c ), which were similar to those of other species of this genus. The two major fatty acids C 16 : 0 and iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH were also found in strain DN00404 T . Based on genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, two novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium are proposed: Sphingobacterium micropteri sp. nov. with DN00404 T (=GDMCC 1.1865 T =KACC 21924 T ) as the type strain and Sphingobacterium litopenaei sp. nov. with DN04309 T (=GDMCC 1.1984 T =KCTC 82348 T ) as the type strain.

A Gram-reaction-negative bacterial strain, designated Kb22 T , was isolated from agricultural soil and characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain shows highest similarity (94.39 %) to Sphingobacterium nematocida M-SX103 T . The highest average nucleotide identity value (71.83 %) was found with Sphingobacterium composti T5-12 T , and the highest amino acid identity value (66.65 %) was found with Sphingobacterium olei HAL-9 T . Cells are aerobic, non-motile rods. The isolate was found to be positive for catalase and oxidase tests. The assembled genome of strain Kb22 T has a total length of 4,06 Mb, the DNA G+C content is 38.1 mol%. The only isoprenoid quinone is menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The major fatty acids are iso-C 15:0 (28.4%), summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7 c and/or iso-C 15:0 2-OH) (25.7 %) and iso-C 17:0 3-OH (19.7 %). Based on phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic results, it is concluded that strain Kb22 T is a member of the genus Sphingobacterium and represents a novel species for which the name Sphingobacterium hungaricum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is strain Kb22 T (=LMG 31574 T =NCAIM B.02638 T ).

A bacterial strain, arapr2 T , was isolated from agricultural soil sampled in Reims, France. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain was affiliated to the family Sphingobacteriaceae and more specifically to the genus Sphingobacterium . The strain had 98.31 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to its closest relative Sphingobacterium canadense CR11 T and 98.25 % to Sphingobacterium pakistanensis NCCP-246 T . Genome relatedness indexes revealed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between arapr2 T and its closest relative ( S. canadense CR11 T ) were 92.97 % and 52.00 %, respectively; for S. pakistanensis NCCP-246 T , the ANI and dDDH values were 82.46 and 27.6%, respectively. The genomic DNA of strain arapr2 T was 6.02 Mbp long, had a DNA G+C content of 40.4 mol% and had 5504 protein-coding genes. The results obtained in this study suggests that strain arapr2 T (CIP 111872 T =LMG 31848 T ) represents a new species for which the name Sphingobacterium prati sp. nov. is proposed. Due to the fact that this strain has been isolated using wheat straw as carbon source, this novel bacterial strain represents a promising biotechnological tool for the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass in the context of biorefinery development.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, yellowish bacterium, designated strain 1.3611 T , was isolated from the wormcast of Eisenia foetida . The strain grew optimally at 30-37 ℃, at pH 7.0 and with 0-1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analyses, strain 1.3611 T showed the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sphingobacterium olei HAL-9 T (97.0 %), followed by Sphingobacterium alkalisoli Y3L14 T (95.8 %). The respiratory quinone of strain 1.3611 T was menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and its major cellular fatty acids were iso-C 15 : 0 (41.3 %), summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 6 c , 22.1 %) and iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH (16.2 %). The major polar lipids were sphingophospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified phospholipids and five unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 39.0 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between the genomes of strain 1.3611 T and S. olei HAL-9 T were 37.9 and 88.9 %, respectively. According to the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic phylogenetic results, strain 1.3611 T should represent a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium lumbrici sp. nov. is proposed, with strain 1.3611 T (=KCTC 62980 T =CCTCC AB 2018349 T ) as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic bacterium, designated type strain SSI9 T , was isolated from sand fly ( Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli; Diptera: Psychodidae ) rearing substrate and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain SSI9 T contained phosphatidylethanolamine as a major polar lipid, MK-7 as the predominant quinone, and C 16 : 1 ω6 c /C 16 : 1 ω 7c , iso-C 15 : 0 , iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH and C 16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that SSI9 T represents a member of the genus Sphingobacterium , of the family Sphingobacteriaceae sharing 96.5-88.0 % sequence similarity with other species of the genus Sphingobacterium . The results of multilocus sequence analysis using the concatenated sequences of the housekeeping genes rec A, rpl C and gro L indicated that SSI9 T formed a separate branch in the genus Sphingobacterium . The genome of SSI9 T is 5 197 142 bp with a DNA G+C content of 41.8 mol% and encodes 4395 predicted coding sequences, 49 tRNAs, and three complete rRNAs and two partial rRNAs. SSI9 T could be distinguished from other species of the genus Sphingobacterium with validly published names by several phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic characteristics. On the basis of the results of this polyphasic taxonomic analysis, the bacterial isolate represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium phlebotomi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SSI9 T (=ATCC TSD-210 T =LMG 31664 T =NRRL B-65603 T ).

Purpose: To describe the first case of endophthalmitis caused by Sphingobacterium spiritivorum , a glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative rod, in a patient previously implanted with a Xen ® gel stent., Case Report Description: An 83-year-old patient, affected by open-angle glaucoma and with a previous surgery of combined cataract extraction and Xen gel stent implantation, developed endophthalmitis 1 month after bleb needle revision with 5-fluorouracil injection. At presentation, best corrected visual acuity was hand movement, hypopyon was evident into the anterior chamber and a flat bleb with no sign of leakage was present over the Xen gel implant., Outcome: Immediate pars plana vitrectomy was performed, with intravitreal antibiotic administration and silicon oil tamponade. S. spiritivorum was isolated from vitreous bacterial culture. According to the antibiogram, patient was treated with topical fortified ceftazidime eyedrops and appropriate systemic antibiotics (intravenous meropenem, 500 mg every 8 h for 7 days, followed by oral cotrimoxazole, 160 + 800 mg, twice a day for 10 days). After 2 weeks of treatment, ocular inflammation was resolved, best corrected visual acuity was 0.1 (Snellen chart) and intraocular pressure was 18 mm Hg without topical hypotensive therapy., Conclusion: S. spiritivorum was isolated for the first time as a causative agent of endophthalmitis in humans. Bleb needle revision in patients with Xen gel implant is not free of complications, and an attentive follow-up is required.

A bacterial strain designated NYYP31 T was isolated from the leaves of an annual halophytes, Suaeda corniculata Bunge, collected from the southern edge of the Gurbantunggut desert, north-west China. Strain NYYP31 T was Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, and non-spore-forming. Growth was observed at 4-42 °C, at pH 5.0-10.0, in the presence of up to 8% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters showed that strain NYYP31 T should be assigned to the genus Sphingobacterium. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain NYYP31 T was most closely related to the type strain of Sphingobacterium daejeonense (97.9%) and Sphingobacterium lactis (97.7%). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C 15:0 , iso-C 17:0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, three unidentified lipids, three unidentified amino phospholipids, and two unidentified glycolipids. The genomic DNA G + C content was 36.4 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values for strain NYYP31 T to the type strains of S. daejeonense and S. lactis were 77.9 and 74.1%, respectively, which were below the cut-off level (95-96%) for species delineation. Based on the above results, strain NYYP31 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium endophyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NYYP31 T (= CGMCC 1.16979 T  = NBRC 114258 T ).

Two Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strains, 36D10-4-7 T and 30C10-4-7 T , were isolated from bark canker tissue of Populus × euramericana , respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain 36D10-4-7 T shows 98.0 % sequence similarity to Sphingomonas adhaesiva DSM 7418 T , and strain 30C10-4-7 T shows highest sequence similarity to Sphingobacterium arenae H-12 T (95.6 %). Average nucleotide identity analysis indicates that strain 36D10-4-7 T is a novel member different from recognized species in the genus Sphingomonas . The main fatty acids and respiratory quinone detected in strain 36D10-4-7 T are C 18 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 18 : 1  ω 6 c and Q-10, respectively. The polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, two uncharacterized phospholipids and two uncharacterized lipids. For strain 30C10-4-7 T , the major fatty acids and menaquinone are iso-C 15 : 0 , C 16 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω 6 c and iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH and MK-7, respectively. The polar lipid profile includes phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipids, two aminophospholipids and six unidentified lipids. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, these two strains represent two novel species within the genera Sphingomonas and Sphingobacterium . The name Sphingomonas corticis sp. nov. (type strain 36D10-4-7 T =CFCC 13112 T =KCTC 52799 T ) and Sphingobacterium corticibacterium sp. nov. (type strain 30C10-4-7 T =CFCC 13069 T =KCTC 52797 T ) are proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain 5.0403-2 T , was isolated from a cave soil sample collected from Tiandong Cave, Guizhou Province, south-west PR China. Cells showed positive oxidase and catalase reactions. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C 15 : 0 , summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω7 c and/or C 16 : 1  ω6 c ), iso-C 17 : 0 3OH and summed feature 9 (iso-C 17 : 1  ω9 c or C 16 : 0 10-methyl). The cellular polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, three unidentified phosphoglycolipids and four unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 36.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 5.0403-2 T should be assigned to the genus Sphingobacterium . Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain 5.0403-2 T was most similar to Sphingobacterium bovisgrunnientis KCTC 52685 T (98.7 %), Sphingobacterium composti KCTC 12578 T (98.0 %) and Sphingobacterium alimentarium DSM 22362 T (97.3 %) and less than 95.0 % similar to other species of the genus Sphingobacterium . The average nucleotide identity values between strain 5.0403-2 T and S. bovisgrunnientis KCTC 52685 T , S. composti KCTC 12578 T and S. alimentarium DSM 22362 T were 94.2, 82.3 and 77.2 % respectively. The digitalDNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 5.0403-2 T and S. bovisgrunnientis KCTC 52685 T , S. composti KCTC 12578 T and S. alimentarium DSM 22362 T were 68.4, 25.6 and 20.7 %. These results indicated that the isolate represented a novel genomic species. The polyphasic taxonomic characteristics indicated that strain 5.0304-2 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium cavernae sp. nov. (type strain 5.0403-2 T =KCTC 62981 T =CCTCC AB 2019257 T ) is proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated HAL-9 T , was isolated from oil-contaminated soil in Daqing oilfield, Heilongjiang Province, PR China. Strain HAL-9 T was able to degrade quizalofop- p -ethyl and diclofop-methyl. Growth was observed at 10-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and salinity of 0 %-5.0 % (w/v; optimum 1.0 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain HAL-9 T belongs to the genus Sphingobacterium and showed the highest sequence similarity (98.3 %) to Sphingobacterium alkalisoli Y3L14 T , followed by Sphingobacterium mizutaii DSM 11724 T (95.1 %) and Sphingobacterium lactis DSM 22361 T (95.1 %). Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the only isoprenoid quinone. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1 ω 7 c and/or C 16 : 1 ω 6 c ), iso-C 15: 0 and iso-C 17 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, three phosphoglycolipids and three unidentified lipids. The draft genome of strain HAL-9 T was 5.41 Mb. The G+C content of strain HAL-9 T was 40.6 mol%. Furthermore, the average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain HAL-9 T and S. alkalisoli Y3L14 T were 86.2 % and 32.8 %, respectively, which were below the standard thresholds for species differentiation. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain HAL-9 T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium olei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HAL-9 T (=ACCC 61581 T =CCTCC AB 2019176 T =KCTC 72287 T ).

Sphingobacterium multivorum is a gram-negative rod found in the environment and rarely associated with human infections. Sphingobacterium is the causative agent of infections in an immunocompromised host in most cases. We report a rare case of cellulitis in an immunocompromised host by Sphingobacterium multivorum .

Degradation studies of phenanthrene and naphthalene as a mixture was carried out using a developed bacterial consortium. The isolates used in consortium were identified as Chryseobacterium sp., Sphingobacterium sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., Agromyces sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Limited work is done on genus Agromyces in degradation studies of PAHs. Catechol production was detected using Arnow's assay suggested that the pathway used for degradation is the meta-cleavage pathway. Results showed that Tween 80, as a surfactant, had maximum effect on the growth of isolates during PAH degradation. This suggests that use of Tween 80 as a surfactant enhanced the uptake of PAH by bacterial isolates during degradation. The study further revealed that, bacterial consortium was successfully utilized in the treatment of water contaminated with PAH in a laboratory-scale biofilm bioreactor. The bacterial consortium was able to degrade 99.9% of naphthalene and 92.9% of phenanthrene as a mixture at a high concentration of 2000 mg/L within 6 days. Further scaling up of the biofilm bioreactor can prove beneficial in large scale treatment of PAH contaminated water. This study showed promising results and these bacterial strains can be used as potential tools for bioremediation of PAH in contaminated sites.

A bacterial strain M05W1-28 T was isolated from a well that collected water for irrigation from a deep aquifer at a depth of 400 m. Cells were observed to be rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic, stained Gram-negative. Optimal growth was obtained at pH 7.0 (range: 6.0-9.0), 28 °C (range: 15-37 °C) and 0 % NaCl (range: 0-1.5 %, w/v) in modified tryptic soy broth (mTSB) without added NaCl and R2A. The cells were found to be positive for catalase and oxidase activities. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1  ω 7 c / C 16 : 1  ω 6 c ) and iso-C 15 : 0 . The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, glycolipid, phosphoglycolipids, phospholipids, and unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The genomic G+C content of strain M05W1-28 T was 40.7 %. Based on similarities of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain M05W1-28 T was affiliated with the genus Sphingobacterium , exhibiting the highest sequence similarities with S. multivorum LMG 8342 T (97.5 %), S. ginsenosidimutans THG07 T (97.1 %) and less than 97.0 % to other members of the genus. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation values (dDDH) between M05W1-28 T and S. multivorum LMG 8342 T were 78.1 and 22.5 %, respectively. Phenotypic characteristics including enzyme activities and carbon source utilisation differentiated the strain from other Sphingobacterium species. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain M05W1-28 T represented a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium puteale sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M05W1-28 T (=CGMCC 1.13711 T =KCTC 72027 T ).

Sphingobacterium sp. RB, a novel bacterial strain isolated from a soil sample, was able to utilize para-nitrophenol (PNP) as sole source of carbon and energy at high concentrations (1.0-5.0 mM). The culture completely degraded 3.0 mM PNP within 36 h with proportionate increase in biomass. With 5.0 mM PNP (700 ppm), 70% degradation was observed within 72 h of incubation. Scanning electron microscope images of the isolate in the presence and absence of PNP showed no significant morphological variations. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated that the biodegradation of PNP in this bacterium proceeded via the formation of 1,2,4-benzenetriol. Cells previously exposed to PNP (induced) were 30% more effective in degrading PNP. With catechol and phenol, such induction was not observed. Uninduced cells of Sphingobacterium sp. RB were capable of degrading a variety of other nitroaromatic compounds, including 2-nitroaniline, 2,4-dinitroaniline, 2-nitrotoluene, 3-nitrotoluene and 2,4-dinitrophenol, within 72 h, thus proving its candidacy as a potent bioremediation agent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a Sphingobacterium species degrading PNP via formation of 1,2,4-benzenetriol., (© FEMS 2019.)

Assessment of the bacterial diversity associated with a decaying fern, Athyrium wallichianum Ching, revealed the presence of a novel bacterial strain named M46 T . It was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and aerobic with cellulose and xylan degradation abilities. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain M46 T was affiliated to the genus Sphingobacterium, exhibiting the highest sequence similarity of 97.9 % to Sphingobacterium ginsenosidimutans THG 07 T , Sphingobacterium canadense CR11 T and Sphingobacterium detergens6.2 S T . Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on concatenated sequences of the rpoB, cpn60 and 16S rRNA genes showed that strain M46 T clustered together with S. canadense CR11 T . The genome of strain M46 T had a G+C content of 40.6 mol% and chromosome of 6 853 865 bp. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strain M46 T and S. detergens 6.2 S T and S. siyangense SY1 T was 85.1 and 78.1 %, respectively. DNA-DNA relatedness values among strain M46 T and other closely related Sphingobacterium species were <70 %. ANI and DNA-DNA relatedness findings strongly supported M46 T as a putative novel strain of Sphingobacterium. The predominant fatty acids of strain M46 T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and MK-7 was the dominant isoprenoid quinone. The polar lipid profile of strain M46 T contained phosphatidylethanolamine as the dominant component, while minor amounts of phosphoglycolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified lipids were also detected. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, MLSA results, genomic characteristics, and phenotypic and biochemotaxonomic analyses, strain M46 T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium athyrii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M46 T (=CGMCC 1.13466 T =JCM 32543 T ).

This study investigated the effectiveness of bioelectrokinetics in rehabilitating a silty clayey sand contaminated with diesel fuel using three novel bacterial strains; Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Sphingobacterium multivorum, and Sinorhizobium, isolated form agriculture land. Three electrokinetic bioremediation cells were used to conduct the tests and a novel electrode configuration technique was used to stabilize pH and water content in the soil specimen. Solar photovoltaic panels were used to generate sustainable energy for the process. The tests were carried out in outdoors for 55 days. Applied voltage, current passing through the electrokinetic cell, and the temperature of the soil specimen were recorded periodically during the test. The pH, water content, and diesel concentration were determined at the end of the tests. Over the test period, the voltage typically increased from zero before sunrise, remained relatively stabilized for about 4 h, and then started to decrease and dropped to zero by sunset. The temperatures in the cells were found to be 5-7 °C higher than the ambient temperature. The innovative electrode configuration succeeded in keeping the pH of soil to remain the same and thereby prevented the development of a pH gradient in the soil, an important development for survival of the bacteria. The diesel degradation in the soil after bioelectrokinetics were 20-30%, compared to 10-12% in the control test. The study was successful in developing environmentally friendly technology employing novel bacterial strains to degrade diesel fuel and utilizing solar panel to produce renewable energy for bioelectrokinetic during the winter season.

A novel Gram-reaction-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated as strain G2-10 T was isolated from effluent of a dairy manure treatment plant. Growth occurred at 20-40 °C (optimum at 25-30 °C), pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum at pH 7.0). The range of NaCl concentration for growth was between 0% and 3% (w/v) (optimum 0-1%, w/v). Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain G2-10 T was moderately related to the type strains of Sphingobacterium nematocida M-SX103 T and Sphingobacterium suaedae T47 T with a pair-wise sequence similarity of 94.3% and 94.0%, respectively. The major fatty acid constituents of strain G2-10 T were identified as iso-C 15:0 (37.6%), summed feature 3 (consisting of C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c, 29.6%) and iso-C 17:0 3-OH (15.2%). Phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipids of strain G2-10 T . Sphingophospholipids were present. The isoprenoid quinone was composed of only MK-7. The DNA G + C content of strain G2-10 T was found to be 42.5 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain G2-10 T represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium praediipecoris is proposed. The type strain is G2-10 T (= KCTC 52880 T  = NBRC 112848 T ).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, bacterial strain, designated 5JN-11 T , was isolated from Haloxylonammodendron stems in Kumtag desert, Xinjiang province, China. Strain 5JN-11 T grew at salinities of 0-6 % (w/v; optimum 0-2 %), a pH of 7.0-9.0 (pH 7.0-8.0) and temperatures of 20-42 °C (28-30 °C). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the strain was designated a member of the genus Sphingobacterium and the phylogenetic analysis showed that strain 5JN-11 T shared the highest similarity to Sphingobacterium gobiense H7 T , followed by Sphingobacterium chuzhouense DH-5 T and Sphingobacterium arenae H-12 T . The unfinished draft genome of strain 5JN-11 T was 4.69 Mb. The G+C content of strain 5JN-11 T was 42.8 mol%. The average nucleotide identity to S. gobiense H7 T was 90.5 %. The respiratory quinone was MK-7, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphoglycolipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain 5JN-11 T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacteriumhaloxyli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5JN-11 T (=ACCC 60072 T =KCTC 62457 T ).

Vast expanses of Earth's surface are covered by ice, with microorganisms in these systems affecting local and global biogeochemical cycles. We examined microbial assemblages from habitats fed by glacial meltwater within the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica and on the west Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS), evaluating potential physicochemical factors explaining trends in community structure. Microbial assemblages present in the different Antarctic dry valley habitats were dominated by Sphingobacteria andFlavobacteria, while Gammaproteobacteria and Sphingobacteria prevailed in west GrIS supraglacial environments. Microbial assemblages clustered by location (Canada Glacier, Cotton Glacier and west GrIS) and were separated by habitat type (i.e. ice, cryoconite holes, supraglacial lakes, sediment and stream water). Community dissimilarities were strongly correlated with dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality. Microbial meltwater assemblages were most closely associated with different protein-like components of the DOM pool. Microbes in environments with mineral particles (i.e. stream sediments and cryoconite holes) were linked to DOM containing more humic-like fluorescence. Our results demonstrate the establishment of distinct microbial communities within ephemeral glacial meltwater habitats, with DOM-microbe interactions playing an integral role in shaping communities on local and polar spatial scales.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated MLS-26-JM13-11 T , was isolated from potato stems, collected in Guyuan County, Hebei Province, China. Strain MLS-26-JM13-11 T could grow at 10-39 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.2) and in the presence of 0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0 % w/v). Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that strain MLS-26-JM13-11 T formed a stable clade with Sphingobacterium bambusae IBFC2009 T and Sphingobacterium griseoflavum SCU-B140 T , with the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 95.9 % to 97.0 %. The major cellular fatty acids comprised iso-C15 : 0 (36.9 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 34.0 %), C16 : 0 (3.0 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (13.4 %). Strain MLS-26-JM13-11 T contained sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, six unknown lipids, one unknown aminolipid, four unknown polarlipids and two unknown aminophospholipids. The isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content was 42.6 mol%. Furthermore, the average nucleotide identity and in silico estimated DNA-DNA reassociation values among MLS-26-JM13-11 T and S. bambusae KCTC 22814 T were in all cases below the respective threshold for species differentiation. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain MLS-26-JM13-11 T (=ACCC 60057 T =JCM 32274 T ) represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium solani sp. nov. is proposed.

A cream-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Brt-F T , was isolated from oil-contaminated soil. Strain Brt-F T was able to grow from 15 to 45 °C, pH 6.5-10.5 and 0-4.5 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. This strain was taxonomically characterized by a polyphasic approach. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Brt-F T represented a member of the genus Sphingobacterium and shared highest sequence similarity with Sphingobacterium chuzhouense DH-5 T (99.4 %); Sphingobacterium gobiense H7 T (95.7 %) and Sphingobacterium arenae H-12 T (94.3 %). The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7, the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine and the predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0, and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content was 43.4 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain Brt-F T and S. chuzhouense KCTC 42746 T was 35.7 %, which falls below the threshold value of 70 % for the strain to be considered as novel. The morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished this strain from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Thus, strain Brt-F T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacteriumterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Brt-F T (=KEMB 9005-691 T =KACC 19392 T =JCM 32159 T ).

A novel Gram-negative, rod shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated strain YK2 T , was isolated from yak milk from Leh, India. The strain was positive for oxidase- and catalase-activities and negative for starch hydrolysis, nitrate reduction, citrate utilization, urease, lysine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase activities. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 1ω9c and C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH (summed feature 3). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophospholipid and six unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 38.9 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain YK2 T was a member of the genus Sphingobacterium and closely related to Sphingobacterium alimentarium and Sphingobacterium composti with pair-wise sequence similarity of 98.3 and 97.9 %, respectively. The sequence similarity to other members of the genus Sphingobacterium was between 92.6 to 96.3 %. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain YK2 T clustered with Sphingobacterium alimentarium and together clustered with Sphingobacterium composti. DNA-DNA hybridization of strain YK2 T with Sphingobacterium alimentarium WCC 4521 T and Sphingobacterium composti T5-12 T showed a relatedness of only 38 and 54 %, respectively. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and on phylogenetic inference, it appears that strain YK2 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium bovisgrunnientis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Sphingobacterium bovisgrunnientis sp. nov. is YK2 T (=MTCC 12631 T =KCTC 52685 T =JCM 31951 T ).

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain h337 T , was isolated from an arable soil sample of a tobacco field in Kunming, south-west China. The cells showed oxidase-positive and catalase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 10-35 °C, at pH 6.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and with 1-2 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The cellular polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingophospholipid, four unidentified phospholipids, five unidentified lipids and three unidentified aminophospholipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain h337 T should be assigned to the genus Sphingobacterium. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain h337 T was most closely related to 'Sphingobacteriumyamdrokense' 3-0-1 (98.8 %) and Sphingobacteriumyanglingense CCNWSP36-1 T (98.5 %) and shared less than 97 % similarity with other species of the genus Sphingobacterium. DNA-DNA hybridization data indicated that the isolate represented a novel genomic species belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium. The characteristics determined in this polyphasic taxonomic study indicated that strain h337 T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium tabacisoli sp. nov. (type strain h337 T =KCTC 52298 T =CCTCC AB 2017155 T ) is proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated strain D1 T , was isolated from soil in South Korea. Cells of strain D1 T were non-motile rods with oxidase- and catalase-positive activities. Growth was observed at 15-40 °C (optimum, 30-37 °C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0.0-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.0-1.0 %). The only respiratory quinone detected was menaquinone 7 (MK-7), and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) were identified as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid, and two unidentified glycophospholipids and four unidentified lipids were also detected as minor polar lipids. Sphingolipids, a typical chemotaxonomic feature of the genus Sphingobacterium, were detected. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 43.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain D1 T formed a phyletic lineage with Sphingobacterium hotanense XH4 T within the genus Sphingobacterium. Strain D1 T was most closely related to S. hotanense XH4 T (98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Sphingobacterium cellulitidis R-53603 T (97.2 %), and the DNA-DNA relatedness level between strain D1 T and the type strain of S. cellulitidis was 43.1±0.7 %. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain D1 T clearly represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D1 T (=KACC 18595 T =JCM 31225 T ).

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, 23D10-4-9 T , was isolated from symptomatic canker bark tissue of Populus × euramericana. The isolate grew between 4 and 35 °C, with optimal growth occurring at 25 °C. The species was positive for catalase and negative for oxidase activity. Nitrate was not reduced to nitrite. It showed activities toward β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase. Citrate was not utilized. Acid was produced from d-glucose. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The main polar lipid profiles of the novel isolate included phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipids and seven unknown lipids. The predominant menaquinone of the novel isolate was MK-7. The DNA G+C content was 40.6 mol%. 16S rRNA gene data revealed that the novel isolate shares the greatest sequence similarity with Sphingobacterium populi 7Y-4 T (96.1 %). Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, the isolate represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacteriumcorticis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 23D10-4-9 T (=CFCC 12640 T =KCTC 42248 T ).

Background: Sphingobacterium spiritivorum is a glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative rod, formerly classified as one of the Flavobacterium species. It is characterized by a large number of cellular membrane sphingophospholipids. Sphingobacterium species are ubiquitous and isolated from natural environments, such as soil and water. However, they rarely cause infections in humans. Only a limited number of cases have been reported in elderly and immunocompromised patients with underlying diseases and predisposing factors., Case Presentation: An 80-year-old Japanese man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure visited the Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Aichi, Japan with the chief complaint of fever accompanied by chills and left leg pain. At initial presentation, he was distressed and dyspneic. He was febrile (38.8 °C), and his left foot was swollen with reddening and tenderness. We diagnosed him as having cellulitis, and he was hospitalized for antibiotic therapy. Initially, he was treated with intravenously administered cefazolin, but after the isolation of a glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative rod from blood cultures, we decided to switch cefazolin to intravenously administered meropenem on day 4, considering the antibiotic resistance of the causative organism. The causative organism was identified as S. spiritivorum on day 6. His condition gradually stabilized after admission. Meropenem was switched to orally administered levofloxacin on day 12. He was discharged on day 16 and treated successfully without any complications., Conclusions: Although S. spiritivorum is rare, with limited cases isolated from cellulitis, it should be considered as a causative organism in elderly and immunocompromised patients with cellulitis. Blood cultures are the key to correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated YIM X0211T, was isolated from a soil sample of Shiling County, Yunnan Province, south-west China. The new isolate was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The strain grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0 and with 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl. It was positive for catalase and oxidase but negative for H2S production. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain YIM X0211T fell within the cluster comprising Sphingobacterium species and clustered with Sphingobacterium mizutaii DSM 11724T (97.93 % similarity). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.2 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingolipid, and several unknown phospholipids or lipids. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain YIM X0211T and S. mizutaii DSM 11724T was 42.3±0.4 %, which is below the 70 % limit for species delineation. These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain YIM X0211T to the genus Sphingobacterium. Based on the recorded phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, it is determined that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM X0211T (=KCTC 42696T=CGMCC 1.15966T).

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium designated Y3L14T was isolated from the saline-alkaline soil of a farmland, Inner Mongolia, northern China. Strain Y3L14T could grow at 10-40 °C (optimally at 30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimally at pH 8.0), and in the presence of 0-6.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally with 0-2.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and DNA gyrase subunit B (gyrB) gene sequences revealed that strain Y3L14T clustered with strains belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium, sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Sphingobacterium lactis WCC 4512T (94.99 %). Its major cellular fatty acids contained iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c). Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the only isoprenoid quinone. Strain Y3L14T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingophospholipid, two unknown phospholipids and three unknown lipids as the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Y3L14T was 36.0 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic characteristics, strain Y3L14T represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium, for which Sphingobacterium alkalisoli sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is Y3L14T (=CGMCC 1.15782T=KCTC 52379T).

The taxonomic position of two isolates belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium was determined. The first isolate, R-53603T, was obtained from purulent discharge from the toe of a cellulitis patient in Kuwait. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed 99.87 % similarity of R-53603T with environmental isolate P031 (=R-53745) originating from activated sludge in Singapore. The two isolates were phylogenetically positioned on the same sub-branch. Highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was found with the type strains of Sphingobacterium mizutaii (98.23 %), Sphingobacterium lactis (97.78 %) and Sphingobacterium daejeonense (97.14 %). DNA-DNA hybridizations revealed <70 % relatedness between the two isolates and the type strains of the close phylogenetic neighbours S. mizutaii(18.0-24.5 %), S. lactis(20.3-25.9 %) and S. daejeonense(13.2-20.0 %). The high relative contribution of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c) in the cellular fatty acid profiles of R-53603T and R-53745, the presence of sphingophospholipids, MK-7 as the dominant menaquinone and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid in strain R-53603T are typical chemotaxonomic characteristics for members of the genus Sphingobacterium. Phenotypic features most useful for differentiation of the two novel strains from the most closely related species S. mizutaii include growth on MacConkey agar, and utilization of stachyose, guanidine HCl and lithium chloride in Biolog GEN III tests. Strains R-53603T and R-53745 thus represent a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium cellulitidis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R-53603T (=LMG 28764T=DSM 102028T).

This report describes a case of Sphingobacterium hotanense bacteraemia in a patient scratched by a rooster on the right arm. Diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic features are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Sphingobacterium hotanense bacteremia reported in the medical literature.

A novel Gram-staining-negative bacterium, designated DH-5T, was isolated from a farmland soil in Chuzhou, Anhui province, China. Cells of strain DH-5T were aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. The organism grew at 20-37 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and with 0-5 % NaCl (w/v). The DNA G+C content was 42.8 mol%. The major fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0. The respiratory quinone was MK-7, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphoglycolipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain DH-5T was a member of the genus Sphingobacterium and shared the highest similarity with Sphingobacterium gobiense H7T (96.0 %), followed by Sphingobacterium arenae H-12T (94.5 %). Strain DH-5T exhibited low DNA-DNA relatedness with S. gobiense H7T (35.1±1.4 %) and S. arenae H-12T (21.4±1.0 %). On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, DH-5T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium chuzhouense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DH-5T (=ACCC 19856T=KCTC 42746T).

A novel, pale yellow-coloured, Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium, designated as strain CC-YY411T, was isolated from the food-waste compost and subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. Strain CC-YY411T exhibited the highest pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sphingobacterium thermophilum JCM 17858T (94.6 %) while sharing 94.1 to 89.7 % similarities with other Sphingobacterium species. Novel strain established a discrete phylogenetic lineage within the clade that accommodated validly established members of the genus Sphingobacterium. The polar lipid profile of strain CC-YY411T contained major amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid and two unidentified aminolipids besides accommodating trace amounts of a sphingolipid, two phospholipids, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain CC-YY411T was 34.5 mol%. The major and minor respiratory quinones were MK-7 (89.1 %) and MK-6 (10.9 %), respectively. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (24.0 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (11.9 %), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (6.9 %), C15 : 1ω5c (5.5 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) (32.0 %). Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strain CC-YY411T represents a novel species of Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacteriumcibi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-YY411T (=BCRC 80430T=JCM 18407T). Amended species descriptions of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum(Holmes et al. 1982) Yabuuchi et al. 1983 and Sphingobacterium thermophilum Yabe et al. 2013 are also proposed based on new data obtained in this study.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, light yellow, short-rod bacterium (designated GJ30-7T) isolated from compost, was characterized using a polyphasic approach, in order to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain GJ30-7T was observed to grow optimally at 30 °C and at pH 7.0 on R2A agar medium. Strain Gsoil GJ30-7T possessed β-glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc (the two main active components of ginseng) to ginsenoside F2. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, indicated that GJ30-7T belongs to the genus Sphingobacterium of the family Sphingobacteriaceae and was most closely related to Sphingobacterium yanglingense JCM 30166T (92.6 %), Sphingobacterium psychroaquaticum KACC 18188T (92.6 %), and Sphingobacterium thermophilum KCTC 23708T (92.0 %). The DNA G+C content was 43 mol% and MK-7 was the major isoprenoid quinone. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospolipid and one unknown polar lipid. In contrast to standard and reference strains, unidentified sphingolipid was also present. The predominant fatty acids of strain GJ30-7T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3) and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl (summed feature 9), supporting the affiliation of strain GJ30-7T to the genus Sphingobacterium. However, strain GJ30-7T could be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from species of the genus Sphingobacterium with validly published names. The novel isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium jejuense sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain GJ30-7T (=KACC 18625T=JCM 30948T).

Chiral insecticide paichongding (IPP) is a member of cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoid insecticides used in China. IPP was the promising replacement for imidacloprid as a result of its higher activity against imidacloprid-resistant insects. Two pairs of enantiomers, RR/SS-IPP and SR/RS-IPP, were separated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and employed in an aqueous system to investigate their biodegradation process. In this study, the strains G1-13/G1-14 and G2-19 with effective IPP degrading capability were isolated from agricultural soils. G1-14 was mutated from G1-13 by ultraviolet light exposure. Sequence alignment of 16S rRNA proved that these three strains belonged to the genus of Sphingobacterium. The degradation rate of RR/SS-IPP by Sphingobacterium sp. G1-13 and G1-14 reached 13 and 30% within 6 and 4 days, respectively. The degradation rate of SR/RS-IPP by Sphingobacterium sp. G2-19 could reach 35% within 5 days. Degradation intermediates (I1-I6) of enantiomers were detected, and two possible biodegradation pathways were proposed on the basis of the identification of metabolites.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, 7Y-4T, was isolated from bark tissue of Populus × euramericana. The isolate was able to grow between 10 and 37 °C, with optimal growth occurring at 28-30 °C. Strain 7Y-4T was positive for oxidase and catalase activities, but did not reduce nitrite from nitrate. Positive reactions were observed for the activities of β-galactosidase, urease and β-glucosidase, but negative reactions for the activities of gelatinase and the production of indole, acetoin and H2S. Citrate was not utilized. The major fatty acids of strain 7Y-4T are iso-C15 : 0 (28.6 %), C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c (31.8 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (23.3 %).The major polar lipids of the novel isolate include phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown phospholipids (PL1-3) and six unknown lipids (L1-6), and the predominant menaquinone is MK-7. The DNA G+C content is 41.7 mol%. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the novel isolate shared the greatest sequence similarity with Sphingobacterium hotanense XH4T (93.50 %). On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain 7Y-4T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium populi is proposed. The type strain is 7Y-4T (=CFCC 11742T=KCTC 42247T).

A yellow-pigmented strain (JM-1081 T ) isolated from healthy stem tissue of Zea mays was taxonomically characterized. Cells of the strain were rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed closest relationship to the type strains of Sphingobacterium multivorum (98.1 % similarity), Sphingobacterium mucilaginosum (97.9 %) and Sphingobacterium siyangense (97.8 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of all other Sphingobacterium species were below 97.8 %. Fatty acid analysis of whole-cell hydrolysates of the strain resulted in a pattern typical of the genus Sphingobacterium with iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0 and as major compounds. The polyamine pattern contained predominantly sym-homospermidine. The major quinone was menaquinone MK-7 and the only identified lipids in the polar lipid profile were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine. In addition, 15 unidentified lipids were detected in moderate to major amounts. Sphingolipid was detected. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. DNA-DNA hybridizations with two of the closely related type strains, those of S. multivorum and S. siyangense, as well as Sphingobacterium canadense resulted in values below 70 %. In addition to the genotypic differences, differential biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties confirmed that the isolate JM-1081 T represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium zeae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JM-1081 T (=LMG 29191 T =CCM 8652 T ).

Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, a Gram-negative bacillus, is abundant in nature and is rarely involved in causing human infections. However, it is intrinsically resistant to many commonly administered antibiotics and can thus be a life-threatening microorganism. We describe a case of an 89-year-old Caucasian man who presented with sepsis from S. spiritivorum cellulitis., (2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterial strain, designated SCU-B140T, was isolated from the insect Teleogryllus occipitalis. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain SCU-B140T belonged to the genus Sphingobacterium. Sphingobacterium bambusae KCTC 22814T (97.87 %) was identified as the most closely related phylogenetic neighbour of strain SCU-B140T. The novel strain was able to grow at salt concentrations of 0-4 % (w/v), at temperatures of 10-40 °C, and at a pH of 6.0-9.0. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), C16 : 0, C16 : 0 3-OH, C18 : 0 and C14 : 0. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown aminophospholipids, an unknown glycolipid and three unknown polar lipids. MK-7 was the major isoprenoid quinone. The DNA G+C content was 41.2 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness value between SCU-B140T and S. bambusae KCTC 22814T was found to be 30.15 %. According to these results, strain SCU-B140T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium griseoflavum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SCU-B140T ( = KCTC 42158T = CGMCC 1.12966T).

Background: Sphingobacterium spiritivorum is a microorganism that is ubiquitously found in the environment. However, it is rarely isolated from human clinical specimens. There are few reports to date of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum causing disease in humans., Case Report: We describe a case of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum infection in a patient on haemodialysis, which to our knowledge, has not been described before. Further testing revealed this strain was sensitive to multiple antimicrobials., Conclusion: Despite interrupted courses of several antibiotics, our patient clinically made a good recovery and continued to receive haemodialysis.

The composition and spatial variability of microbial communities that reside within the extensive (>200 000 km(2)) biologically active area encompassing the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) is hypothesized to be variable. We examined bacterial communities from cryoconite debris and surface ice across the GrIS, using sequence analysis and quantitative PCR of 16S rRNA genes from co-extracted DNA and RNA. Communities were found to differ across the ice sheet, with 82.8% of the total calculated variation attributed to spatial distribution on a scale of tens of kilometers separation. Amplicons related to Sphingobacteriaceae, Pseudanabaenaceae and WPS-2 accounted for the greatest portion of calculated dissimilarities. The bacterial communities of ice and cryoconite were moderately similar (global R = 0.360, P = 0.002) and the sampled surface type (ice versus cryoconite) did not contribute heavily towards community dissimilarities (2.3% of total variability calculated). The majority of dissimilarities found between cryoconite 16S rRNA gene amplicons from DNA and RNA was calculated to be the result of changes in three taxa, Pseudanabaenaceae, Sphingobacteriaceae and WPS-2, which together contributed towards 80.8 ± 12.6% of dissimilarities between samples. Bacterial communities across the GrIS are spatially variable active communities that are likely influenced by localized biological inputs and physicochemical conditions., (© FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated T47T, was isolated from saline soil of the Suaeda corniculata rhizosphere, located on the bank of Wuliangsuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia, northern China. Strain T47T could grow at 10-40 °C (with 30 °C the optimal temperature), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimal pH 6.0) and in the presence of 0-6.0 % (w/v) NaCl [optimal 0-1.0 % (w/v)]. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that strain T47T formed a stable clade with Sphingobacterium composti 4M24T, Sphingobacterium bambusae IBFC2009T, Sphingobacterium paludis S37T and Sphingobacterium wenxiniae LQY-18T, with the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 91.9-95.4 %. Its major cellular fatty acids contained iso-C15 : 0 (39.9 %), summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c, 23.0 %), C16 : 0 (12.8 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (9.9 %). MK7 was the major menaquinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 45.5 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic characteristics, strain T47T represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium suaedae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T47T ( = CGMCC 1.15277T = KCTC 42662T).

A novel Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, short rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated YIM 101302(T), was isolated from the faeces of Rhinoceros unicornis dwelling in the Yunnan Wild Animal Park, Yunnan province, South-West China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed a clear affiliation of strain YIM 101302(T) to the genus Sphingobacterium. The newly isolated bacterium was found to be closely related to Sphingobacterium composti T5-12(T) (97.1% 16S rRNA sequence identity) and Sphingobacterium alimentarium WCC 4521(T) (95.6% 16S rRNA sequence identity) forming a distinct clade with these two species. Polar lipids of strain YIM 101302(T) were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and three unidentified polar lipids; the predominant menaquinone as MK-7 and the major fatty as iso-C15:0. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 38.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain YIM 101302(T) and S. composti T5-12(T), was 53.6 ± 5.8%. These results indicates that strain YIM 101302(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium rhinocerotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 101302(T) (=CCTCC AB 2013218(T) = KCTC 42533(T)).

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, short-rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain THG-SQA8(T), was isolated from rhizosphere soil of rose in PR China. Strain THG-SQA8(T) was closely related to members of the genus Sphingobacterium, showed the highest sequence similarities with Sphingobacterium multivorum KACC 14105(T) (98.0%) and Sphingobacterium ginsenosidimutans KACC 14526(T) (97.4%). DNA-DNA hybridization showed values of 35.2 ± 0.9% and 8.8 ± 0.3% DNA reassociation with S. multivorum KACC 14105(T) and S. ginsenosidimutans KACC 14526(T), respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-SQA8(T) possesses menaquinone-7 as the only respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C1 : 0 and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content was 40.7 mol%. These data corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-SQA8(T) to the genus Sphingobacterium. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium mucilaginosum sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-SQA8(T) as the type strain ( = CCTCC AB 2014317(T) = KCTC 42503(T)).

A strictly aerobic and facultatively psychrophilic bacterium, strain 3-0-1(T), was isolated from Lake Yamdrok on the Tibetan Plateau, China. Cells were Gram-negative and short-rod-shaped. Strain 3-0-1(T) formed circular, opaque, yellow colonies, and grew at 0-5% (w/v) NaCl, pH 5.0-11.0 and 5-35 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences of various species with validly published names showed that strain 3-0-1(T) belongs to the genus Sphingobacterium, family Sphingobacteriaceae, sharing the highest similarity with Sphingobacterim nematocida M-SX103(T) (96.62%) and less than 95% similarity with all the other species in the genus Sphingobactrium. The predominant isoprenoid quinone of strain 3-0-1(T) was identified as menaquinone 7 (MK-7), the major polar lipid was identified as phosphatidylethanolamine and the DNA G+C content was determined to be 42.5 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C(16:1) ω7c and/or C(16:1) ω6c) (>30%), iso-C(15:0) (>20%) and iso-C(17:0) 3-OH (>10%). Based on the variability of phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 3-0-1(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium yamdrokense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 3-0-1(T) (=JCM 19397(T) = CGMCC 1.12560(T)).

Using 1-((6-chloropydidin-3-yl)methyl)-7-methyl-8-nitro-5propoxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-α-]-pyridine (IPP) as the sole carbon source, we isolated a strain with a higher activity of IPP-degrading bacterium Sphingobacterium sp. P1-3 from soil. At 30 °C, pH 7.0 ,and 10 mg L(-1) IPP content, the degradation rate of IPP by Sphingobacterium sp. P1-3 could reach 57.75 and 62.47% in 20 and 30 days, respectively. The value of DT50 of IPP was 27 d at the level of 30 mg L(-1) IPP, while DT50 in the blank test was 151 d. During the IPP biodegradation process, five intermediates (M1-M5) were monitored and identified. On the basis of the identified metabolites and their biodegradation courses, a possible biodegradation pathway was proposed. IPP biodegradation mainly occurred on the tetrahydropyridine ring. IPP was transformed to five different metabolites by strain P1-3 through the oxidation and elimination of methyl, propyl, and nitro groups. Moreover, a new pathway involving M2 (1-((6-chloropydidin-3-yl)methyl)-7-methyl-8-hydroxy-5-propoxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo [1,2-α-]-pyridine), M3 (1-((6-chloropydidin-3-yl)methyl)-7-methyl-5-carbonyl-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-α-]-pyridine), and M5 (8-amino-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-α-]-pyridine) was first monitored and identified.

A novel Gram-negative bacterium, designated ZWT, was isolated from a soil sample of the Western Desert of China, and its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic position were investigated using a polyphasic approach. Growth occurred on TGY medium at 5-42°C with an optimum of 30°C, and at pH 7.0-11.0 with an optimum of pH 9.0. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c or C16:1ω6c/C16:1ω7c) (39.22%), iso-C15:0 (27.91%), iso-C17:0 3OH (15.21%), C16:0 (4.98%), iso-C15:0 3OH (3.03%), C16:0 3OH (5.39%) and C14:0 (1.74%). The major polar lipid of strain ZWT is phosphatidylethanolamine. The only menaquinone observed was MK-7. The GC content of the DNA of strain ZWT is 44.9 mol%. rDNA phylogeny, genome relatedness and chemotaxonomic characteristics all indicate that strain ZWT represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium. We propose the name S. deserti sp. nov., with ZWT (= KCTC 32092T = ACCC 05744T) as the type strain. Whole genome optical mapping and next-generation sequencing was used to derive a finished genome sequence for strain ZWT, consisting of a circular chromosome of 4,615,818 bp in size. The genome of strain ZWT features 3,391 protein-encoding and 48 tRNA-encoding genes. Comparison of the predicted proteome of ZWT with those of other sphingobacteria identified 925 species-unique proteins that may contribute to the adaptation of ZWT to its native, extremely arid and inhospitable environment. As the first finished genome sequence for any Sphingobacterium, our work will serve as a useful reference for subsequent sequencing and mapping efforts for additional strains and species within this genus.