ARS | Publication request: LENTZEA KENTUCKYENSIS SP. NOV.: A NEW SPECIES OF EQUINE ORIGIN

Submitted to: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 18, 2007
Publication Date: July 15, 2007
Citation: Labeda, D.P., Donahue, J.M., Sells, S.F., Kroppenstedt, R.M. 2007. Lentzea kentuckyensis sp. nov.: a new species of equine origin. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57:1780-1783.

Interpretive Summary: Nocardioform placentitis is an emerging disease of thoroughbred race horses that can cause abortion or stillbirth of foals resulting in substantial economic loss for breeders. The microorganisms usually associated with this infection have been previously identified and are Crossiella equi or one of several species of Amycolatopsis. During routine diagnostic testing of equine placentas a new microorganism was isolated that is different from those previously found. A thorough study of this strain was undertaken to identify and describe this new microorganism which was found to represent a new species of the genus Lentzea to be called Lentzea kentuckyensis. This information will be of great use to veterinary pathologists and microbiologists diagnosing cases of equine nocardioform placentitis in the future.

Technical Abstract: A novel actinomycete NRRL B-24416 was isolated from an equine placenta during the course of routine diagnostics for nocardioform placentitis. In a preliminary study the strain was observed to be phylogenetically distinct from either Crossiella and Amycolatopsis and likely was a member of the genus Lentzea. A polyphasic study of NRRL B-24416 confirmed identification as a Lentzea species based on chemotaxonomic and morphological similarity to all described species in the genus. Moreover, the strain can be distinguished from the other described species by phylogenetic, physiological, and fatty acid profile characteristics. It is therefore proposed that a new species to be named Lentzea kentuckyensis be created for this strain. The type strain of the proposed new species has been deposited as NRRL B-24416T (=LDDC 2876-05T=DSM 44909T).