Abstract: Taxonomic study on an unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative and regular rod-shaped bacterial strain R4BT, isolated from the stomach of honeybees, was performed. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the phylogenetic position of the novel strain was within the genus Lactobacillus, the highest sequence similarity to R4BT was shown by the type strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus (93.5%). Difference from other species of lactobacilli was also confirmed by sequences of other phylogenetic markers applicable in taxonomy of the genus Lactobacillus, ribotyping and rep-PCR analysis. The DNA G + C content of the strain is 41.3%. Phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics also confirmed the independent status at the species level as well. Remarkably, the strain R4BT was able to inhibit Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae (causal agent of American foulbrood in honeybees) and Melissococcus plutonius (causal agent of European foulbrood) in vitro. The name Lactobacillus apis sp. nov. is proposed for this new taxon. The type strain is R4BT (=CCM 8403T = LMG 2696T). More here: http://ijs.sgmjournals.org/content/early/2013/10/04/ijs.0.053033-0.abstract Ghislain De Roeck, Belgium. *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html