Prof. Wollmuth publishes on the discovery of a new group of bacteria

Emily Wollmuth, assistant professor of biology, and collaborators from Cornell University, Auckland University of Technology, and University of Auckland recently published a research article in the “International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology” describing a newly identified species of bacteria.

Image of Bengtsoniella intestinalis captured using transmission electron microscopy.The group’s work focused on characterizing the growth, identifying the taxonomic classification, and analyzing the genome of the newly isolated bacteria named Bengtsoniella intestinalis.

This species of bacteria is the first organism to be discovered in a new genus and species. Bengtsoniella intestinalis was isolated in New Zealand from the gut of the herbviorous marine fish Kyphosus sydneyanus. The bacterium is a gut symbiont that likely helps the fish to digest the seaweed in their diet.

The name Bengtsoniella was selected in honor of Ida A. Bengston, the first woman scientist employed by the National Institutes of Health.

Bengtsoniella intestinalis is the most recent of three new bacterial species the researchers have published on. The group previously published their work describing Chakrabartyella piscis and Tannockella kyphosi.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Biology Department

For more information, contact:

Prof. Emily Wollmuth
ewollmuth@colleensflowercellar.com