Molecular taxonomic studies of Actinomyces-like bacteria isolated from purulent lesions in pigs and description of Actinomyces hyovaginalis sp. nov.

The 16S rRNA gene sequence of some Actinomyces-like bacteria isolated from purulent lesions in pigs was determined. A comparative analysis of the rRNA sequence data revealed that the bacteria are members of the genus Actinomyces, but are phylogenetically distinct from Actinomyces suis. On the basis of our findings and the results of previous phenotypic studies it is formally proposed that the bacteria from pigs should be designated a new species, Actinomyces hyovaginalis.