Description of a novel pectin-degrading bacterial species Prevotella pectinovora sp. nov., based on its phenotypic and genomic traits.

Five strictly anaerobic Gram-negative bacterial strains, P4-65, P4-76(T), P5-60, P5-119, and P5-125, presumably belonging to the genus Prevotella were isolated from pig fecal samples. Strains were tested for various phenotypic traits and nearcomplete genome sequences were obtained and analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and multilocus sequence analysis based on five conserved genes confirmed that the strains belong to the genus Prevotella, revealing that they represent a novel and discrete lineage distinct from other known species of this genus. The size of the genome of the isolated strains is 3-3.3 Mbp, and the DNA G+C content is 47.5-48.1 mol%. The isolates are strictly anaerobic, rod-shaped with rounded ends, non-motile and non-spore-forming. The main fermentation products are succinate and acetate, with minor concentrations of isovalerate, propionate and isobutyrate. Hydrogen is also produced. Major cellular fatty acids consist of anteiso-C(15:0) and iso-C(15:0), and a number of additional acids are present in lower concentrations. A substantial portion of genes involved in carbohydrate utilization is devoted to pectin degradation and utilization, while those supporting growth on xylan in ruminal Prevotella could not have been revealed. On the basis of the presented results, a novel species, Prevotella pectinovora sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P4-76(T) (=DSM 29996(T) =ZIM B1020(T)).