ARS | Publication request: VAGOCOCCUS ELONGATUS SP. NOV., ISOLATED FROM A SWINE-MANURE STORAGE PIT

Submitted to: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 22, 2006
Publication Date: April 1, 2007
Citation: Lawson, P.A., Falsen, E., Cotta, M.A., Whitehead, T.R. 2007. Vagococcus elongatus sp. nov., isolated from a swine-manure storage pit. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57:751-754.

Interpretive Summary: Odor emanating from anaerobic lagoons and swine production facilities has increased the tension among rural neighbors and among urban and rural residents. Storage of swine manure is associated with the production of a variety of odorous compounds, including ammonia, volatile organic acids and alcohols, and sulfides. In order to reduce production of odorous compounds, the responsible bacteria present in the fecal matter and manure storage pits must first be identified. We now report on the identification and scientific naming of a new species of anaerobic bacteria. The new species is Vagococcus elongatus. This information will be of use to other researchers and environmental agencies.

Technical Abstract: A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an uncharacterized Gram-positive catalase-negative, elongated coccus-shaped bacterium isolated from a swine-manure storage pit. The bacterium, designated strain PPC9**T, was facultatively anaerobic and had a DNA G+C content of 44.5 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the bacterium represented a novel subline within the genus Vagococcus, close to but distinct from Vagococcus lutrae. Strain PPC9**T was readily distinguished from the five recognized species of the genus Vagococcus by using biochemical tests and molecular genetic analysis. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence strain PPC9**T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Vagococcus, for which the name Vagococcus elongatus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PPC9**T (=CCUG 51432**T=NRRL B-41357**T).