Streptomyces malaysiensis sp nov., a new streptomycete species with rugose, ornamented spores

The taxonomic position of a streptomycete strain isolated from Malaysian soil was established using a polyphasic approach. The organism, designated strain ATB-11(T), was found to have chemical and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Streptomyces. An almost complete 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) sequence determined for the test strain was compared with those of previously studied streptomycetes by using two treeing algorithms. The 16S rDNA sequence data not only supported classification of the strain in the genus Streptomyces but also showed that it formed a distinct phyletic line. At maturity, the aerial hyphae of strain ATB-11(T) differentiated into tight, spiral chains of rugose, cylindrical spores. The organism was readily distinguished from representatives of validly described Streptomyces species with rugose spores by using a combination of phenotypic features. It is proposed, therefore, that strain ATB-11(T) be classified in the genus Streptomyces as Streptomyces malaysiensis sp. nov.