Spiroplasma atrichopogonis sp nov., from a ceratopogonid biting midge

Spiroplasma sp. strain GNAT3597(T) 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 GNAT3597(T) occurred in M I D medium at 30 degreesC. Strain GNAT3597(T) catabolized both glucose and arginine, but did not hydrolyse urea. The DNA G+C content of strain GNAT3597(T) was 29 +/- 1 mol%. Only one strain, SMCA(T) (Spiroplasma mirum), is serologically related to strain GNAT3597(T), although the relationship is weak (positive reaction to only a 1 : 80 dilution). It is therefore proposed that strain GNAT3597(T) (=ATCC BAA-520(T)=NBRC 100390(T)) represents a novel species, Spiroplasma atrichopogonis sp. nov. (class Mollicutes: order Entomoplasmatales: family Spiroplasmataceae).