Definition
Olivibacter jilunii is a species of Gram‑negative, aerobic bacteria belonging to the genus Olivibacter within the family Sphingobacteriaceae (phylum Bacteroidetes).
Overview
The species was first described in a peer‑reviewed microbiological study that reported its isolation from a soil sample collected in China. The isolate was identified through a combination of phenotypic testing and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, which placed it within the Olivibacter clade but distinct from previously described species. The type strain is deposited in several international culture collections under accession numbers such as KCTC 42872 and JCM 30681.
Etymology / Origin
The specific epithet jilunii is derived from the name “Jilun,” honoring a person (likely a researcher) associated with the discovery or the institution where the bacterium was isolated. The suffix “‑ii” follows the Latin genitive case convention used in bacterial nomenclature to denote dedication to a male individual.
Characteristics
- Cell morphology: Short, straight rods; non‑spore‑forming; non‑motile.
- Gram reaction: Negative.
- Oxygen requirement: Strictly aerobic.
- Growth conditions: Grows on standard heterotrophic media at temperatures between 20 °C and 37 °C; optimal growth reported near 30 °C.
- Biochemical traits: Positive for catalase activity; oxidase negative; capable of hydrolyzing casein and gelatin; does not produce indole.
- Genomic features: The 16S rRNA gene sequence shares ≤ 97 % similarity with the closest Olivibacter species, supporting its status as a novel species. Whole‑genome sequencing data, if available, have not been widely disseminated.
- Ecological niche: Isolated from terrestrial soil, suggesting a role in organic matter degradation within its native environment.
Related Topics
- Genus Olivibacter: A group of environmental bacteria within Sphingobacteriaceae, known for diverse metabolic capabilities and isolation from soil, sediment, and plant-associated habitats.
- Other species: Olivibacter sitiensis, Olivibacter ginsengisoli, Olivibacter terrae, among others.
- Sphingobacteriaceae family: Contains genera notable for sphingolipid-containing cell membranes and adaptation to various ecological niches.
- Bacterial taxonomy and nomenclature: The International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes governs the naming conventions applied to Olivibacter jilunii.
Note: While the primary description of Olivibacter jilunii is documented in the original taxonomic publication, detailed physiological, genomic, and ecological data beyond the initial characterization are limited in publicly available literature.