Neisseria arctica sp nov., isolated from nonviable eggs of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) in Arctic Alaska

During the summers of 2013 and 2014, isolates of a novel Gram-stain-negative coccus in the genus Neisseriawere obtained from the contents of nonviable greater white-fronted goose (Anseralbifrons) eggs on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. We used a polyphasic approach to determine whether these isolates represent a novel species. 16S rRNA gene sequences, 23S rRNA gene sequences, and chaperonin 60 gene sequences suggested that these Alaskan isolates are members of a distinct species that is most closely related to Neisseria canis, Neisseria animaloris and Neisseria shayeganii. Analysis of the rplF gene additionally showed that the isolates are unique and most closely related to Neisseria weaveri. Average nucleotide identity of the whole genome sequence of the type strain was between 71.5 and 74.6% compared to close relatives, further supporting designation as a novel species. Fatty acid methyl ester analysis showed a predominance of C-14:0, C-16:0 and C-16:1 omega 7c fatty acids. Finally, biochemical characteristics distinguished the isolates from other species of the genus Neisseria. On the basis of these combined data, the isolates are proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Neisseria, with the name Neisseria arctica sp. nov. The type strain is KH1503(T) (= ATCC TSD-57(T) = DSM 103136(T)).