Summary auto-generated
Willems and Collins reclassified Oribaculum catoniae, a bacterium previously isolated from human gingival crevices, into the genus Porphyromonas based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Although O. catoniae is saccharolytic, unlike most Porphyromonas species, phylogenetic analysis revealed it shares 85.2–89.5% sequence similarity with Porphyromonas species, compared to lower similarity with Bacteroides and Prevotella species. The bacteria's fatty acid composition and G+C content (49 mol%) were consistent with the genus Porphyromonas. The authors formally propose the new combination Porphyromonas catoniae comb. nov. and provide an emended description of the genus Porphyromonas to accommodate atypical members like P. catoniae that lack black pigmentation and possess saccharolytic metabolism. The reclassification reflects the phylogenetic distinctiveness of the organism while acknowledging recent discoveries of other Porphyromonas species with variable characteristics that required broader genus circumscription.
Key findings
- 16S rRNA sequence analysis of Oribaculum catoniae demonstrated highest similarity (85.2–89.5%) with Porphyromonas species, supporting reclassification as Porphyromonas catoniae
- The organism exhibits 10.5–14.8% sequence divergence from other Porphyromonas species and lacks characteristic black pigmentation, justifying designation as a distinct species
- Oribaculum catoniae's fatty acid composition and G+C content (49 mol%) fall within acceptable parameters for Porphyromonas genus membership
- An emended genus description was provided to accommodate atypical Porphyromonas members that are saccharolytic and lack protoheme production, reflecting evolving understanding of the genus
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Abstract
A partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of the type strain of Oribaculum catoniae was determined by using PCR direct sequencing. A comparative sequence analysis demonstrated that this species, although saccharolytic, is phylogenetically a member of the genus Porphyromonas. On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic distinctiveness of O. catoniae, we formally propose that this species should be reclassified in the genus Porphyromonas, as Porphyromonas catoniae comb. nov. An emended description of the genus Porphyromonas is presented.