RHODOCOCCUS OPACUS SP-NOV, AN UNUSUAL NUTRITIONALLY VERSATILE RHODOCOCCUS-SPECIES

A new Rhodococcus-species was recognized during a comprehensive study on several unclassified nocardioform bacteria. Representative strains of the new taxon exhibited an unusual wide range of metabolic properties including effective degradation of substituted aromatic compounds with ecological importance. Furthermore, the designated type strain was reportedly capable of chemolithotrophic growth. The new species can be clearly differentiated from other described members of the genus Rhodococcus by lipid and physiological characteristics. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequence of the designated type strain has been determined. The name Rhodococcus opacus is proposed for the new species.