Characterization of a novel gram-positive, catalase-negative coccus from horses: description of Eremococcus coleocola gen. nov., sp. nov.

This research study identifies a new type of bacterium originating from the reproductive tract of horses. Using rest tests and gene sequencing, the researchers were able to distinguish this bacterium from others, and have named it Eremococcus coleocola.

Characterization of a Novel Bacterium

• This research article presents their study on identifying and characterizing a novel bacterium found in the reproductive tract of horses. After conducting a series of tests and observations, it was confirmed that the bacterium is new.
• This bacterium is Gram-positive, meaning it takes up the violet Gram staining due to a thick layer of peptidoglycan in its cell wall, and catalase-negative which means it lacks the enzyme catalase.
• Being a facultative anaerobe, the bacterium is capable of growing with or without oxygen. In other words, it can adjust its metabolism according to the environmental conditions.

Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies

• This procedure is a popular tool used for identifying and classifying bacteria. By comparing the 16S rRNA gene sequences, researchers were able to confirm that the two strains of this bacterium were new and did not fit into any existing bacterial species.
• Despite finding notable similarities with the lactic-acid group of bacteria, the unknown bacterium was distinct from Abiotrophia defectiva, Globicatella sanguinis and close relatives.

Classifying the New Bacterium

• After distinguishing the unknown bacterium from other described Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci through biochemical tests and analysis of the whole-cell proteins, the researchers proposed that this bacterium be classified as a new species and genus – Eremococcus coleocola.
• The identification and classification of this bacterium doesn’t just represent a significant contribution to the taxonomic field, but could also have potential implications in the identification and treatment of horse diseases.

The Type Strain Eremococcus coleocola CCUG 38207T

• The type strain of a species is the strain that was originally used to describe and classify the species. In this case, it is CCUG 38207T for Eremococcus coleocola.
• This identification serves as the ultimate reference point for the newly discovered species and it is deposited in a culture collection to enable other researchers to access and study this microorganism.