Treffer: Description of three new Dryocola species: Dryocola mayonis sp. nov., Dryocola sharpae sp. nov.and Dryocola baronae sp. nov., isolated from human clinical samples.

Three previously uncharacterized bacterial species, designated strains BD586 ^T , BD613 ^T and BD626 ^T , isolated from human clinical specimens, were identified at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Initial identification efforts using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight MS and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing proved inconclusive. Comprehensive analysis involving phenotypic characterization, biochemical assays and whole-genome sequencing was undertaken. The isolates were Gram-negative, motile, facultatively anaerobic rods, occurring singly, in pairs and in short chains; BD613 ^T additionally formed small aggregates. The isolates tested positive for catalase and negative for oxidase. Their colonies appeared smooth, white, opaque and non-haemolytic. Growth was observed at 35 °C under aerobic, anaerobic and CO₂-enriched conditions, as well as in media with NaCl concentrations up to 10% and at pH 7-9. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from core gene alignments, average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization comparisons. Results confirmed the placement of BD586 ^T , BD613 ^T and BD626 ^T within the recently established Dryocola genus, while also indicating their novelty as distinct species. The major cellular fatty acids were C <subscript>16:0</subscript> and C <subscript>17:0</subscript> cyclo. Based on these findings, a formal description of three new species, Dryocola mayonis sp. nov. (type strain BD586 ^T =TSD 474 ^T , =NCTC 15089 ^T , =DSM 119465 ^T ), Dryocola sharpae sp. nov. (type strain BD613 ^T =TSD 475 ^T , =NCTC 15090 ^T , =DSM 119466 ^T ) and Dryocola baronae sp. nov. (type strain BD626 ^T =TSD 476 ^T , =NCTC 15091 ^T , =DSM 119479 ^T ), is proposed, and the genus description of Dryocola is emended to refine its genomic, morphological and chemotaxonomic boundaries.