title: Spiroplasma atrichopogonis sp. nov., from a ceratopogonid biting midge.
abstract: Spiroplasma sp. strain GNAT3597T was isolated from the biting midge genus Atrichopogon (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). It was serologically distinct from other Spiroplasma species, groups or subgroups. Dark-field microscopy of the cells revealed the classical helical shape and subsequent transmission electron microscopy revealed cells surrounded by only a cell membrane (i.e. lacking a cell wall). Growth of strain GNAT3597T occurred in M1D medium at 30 degrees C. Strain GNAT3597T catabolized both glucose and arginine, but did not hydrolyse urea. The DNA G+C content of strain GNAT3597T was 29+/-1 mol%. Only one strain, SMCAT (Spiroplasma mirum), is serologically related to strain GNAT3597T, although the relationship is weak (positive reaction to only a 1 : 80 dilution). It is therefore proposed that strain GNAT3597T (=ATCC BAA-520T=NBRC 100390T) represents a novel species, Spiroplasma atrichopogonis sp. nov. (class Mollicutes: order Entomoplasmatales: family Spiroplasmataceae).
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA.
authors.forename: R Thomas
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Koerber
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA.
authors.forename: Gail E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Gasparich
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801, USA.
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Frana
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801, USA.
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Grogan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D001482:Base Composition; D002519:Ceratopogonidae / Q000382:microbiology*; D003470:Culture Media; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D012703:Serotyping; D013149:Spiroplasma / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media