Characterization of a Rothia-like organism from a mouse: description of Rothia nasimurium sp. nov. and reclassification of Stomatococcus mucilaginosus as Rothia mucilaginosa comb. nov.

Abstract

NOTEAn unknown, Gram-positive, ovoid-shaped bacterium isolated from the nose of a mouse was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown organism was a member of the family Micrococcaceae and possessed a specific phylogenetic association with Rothia dentocariosa and Stomatococcus mucilaginosus. Phenotypically, the bacterium closely resembled R. dentocariosa and S. mucilaginosus but could be distinguished from these species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on both phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified in the genus Rothia, as Rothia nasimurium sp. nov. In addition, it is proposed that S. mucilaginosus be reclassified in the genus Rothia, as Rothia mucilaginosa comb. nov. Keywords : Rothia, Stomatococcus, taxonomy, phylogeny, 16S rRNARothia dentocariosa is found in the oral cavity and pharynx of man where it forms part of the normal microflora (Schaal, 1992). This species is also now recognized as an opportunistic pathogen causing septicaemia and endocarditis, as well as other serious infections (e.g. Schafer et al., 1979 ;Pape et al., 1979 ;Pers et al., 1987 ;Minato & Abiko, 1984 ; Schiff & Kaplan, 1987). The taxonomic affinities of R. dentocariosa have always been controversial. Primarily because of its cellular morphology, the species has historically been associated with Actinomyces and related genera (Schaal, 1992). In recent years it has become apparent, however, that it is only remotely related to these taxa, and is phylogenetically a member of the family Micrococcaceae (Stackebrandt et al., 1997), exhibiting a specific association with Stomatococcus mucilaginosus. Like R. dentocariosa, S. mucilaginosus is a resident of the human oral cavity and pharynx. R. dentocariosa is presently the only recognized species of the genus Rothia. There is, however, a considerable body of evidence indicating some bio- chemical and serological heterogeneity within the species (e.g. Lesher et al., 1974 ; Schofield & Schaal, 1981 ;Fotos et al., 1984 ;Kronvall et al., 1998). In addition, the existence of a second genomovar of R. dentocariosa has recently been described from humans (Kronvall et al., 1998). It is currently not known whether R. dentocariosa or similar organisms occur in other animal species (Schaal, 1992). During the course of a study of unusual Actinobacteria from animals, we have characterized a novel Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic coccus from the nose of a healthy mouse which phenotypically resembles the genus Rothia. Based on the results of a polyphasic taxonomic study, we propose a new species, Rothia nasimurium, for this bacterium.Strain CCUG 35957 T was isolated from the nose of a healthy mouse. The unidentified organism was cultured on Columbia blood agar base supplemented with 5 % defribrinated horse blood at 37 mC in air plus 5% CO # . The strain was biochemically characterized by using the API rapid ID32 STREP, API CORYNE and...

Complete Genome Sequence of Rothia mucilaginosa DY-18: A Clinical Isolate with Dense Meshwork-Like Structures from a Persistent Apical Periodontitis Lesion

“…mucilaginosa, formerly classified as Stomatococcus mucilaginosus [1], is a gram-positive, coagulase-negative, nonspore-forming coccus considered as a part of the commensal flora of the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract in humans [2]. There have been an increasing number of infections reported for R. mucilaginosa, especially among immunocompromised patients [3,4].…”

Rothia aerolata sp. nov., isolated from exhaust air of a pig barn

“…The DNA of strain 140917-MRSA-09 T had a genomic G+C content of 58.9 mol%. This is slightly higher than those of R. dentocariosa (54 %, draft genome of the type strain), R. nasimurium (56 mol%; Collins et al, 2000), R. terrae (56.1 mol%; Chou et al, 2008), R. amarae (54.5 mol %; Fan et al, 2002) and R. endophytica (53.2 mol %; Xiong et al, 2013).…”

“…Later, the genus was transferred to the family Micrococcaceae on the basis of phylogenetic and other analyses (Stackebrandt et al, 1997). At the time of writing, the genus Rothia comprises seven species, Rothia aeria (Li et al, 2004), Rothia amarae (Fan et al, 2002), Rothia dentocariosa (Onishi, 1949;Georg & Brown, 1967), Rothia mucilaginosa and Rothia nasimurium (both Collins et al, 2000), Rothia terrae (Chou et al, 2008) and Rothia endophytica (Xiong et al, 2013), which were isolated from an air sample, sludge of a foul water sewer, a human oral cavity, a human pharynx, the nose of a healthy mouse, subtropical fields and plant material, respectively.…”

Rothia mucilaginosa Bacteremia Associated with HIV and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature

“…A member of the family of Micrococcaceae, it colonizes the human upper respiratory tract and oral cavity as normal host flora [2]. When first discovered, Rothia was considered a commensal, nonpathogenic organism [2]. However, there have been a growing number of invasive infections reported in the literature among immunocompromised hosts including bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia, and osteomyelitis [1].…”

“…A member of the family of Micrococcaceae, it colonizes the human upper respiratory tract and oral cavity as normal host flora [2]. When first discovered, Rothia was considered a commensal, nonpathogenic organism [2].…”