Vibrio tarriae sp. nov., a novel member of the Cholerae clade isolated from across the United States

A number of bacteria with close resemblance to Vibrio cholerae has been isolated over the years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which could not be assigned a proper taxonomic designation based on preliminary identification methods. Nine such isolates have been found to share 16S rRNA gene identity exceeding 99% with V. cholerae , yet DNA-DNA hybridization (60.4-62.1%) and average nucleotide identity values (94.4-95.1%) were below the species cut-off, indicating a potentially novel species. Phylogenetic analysis of core genomes places this group of isolates in a monophyletic clade, within the “Cholerae clade,” but distinct from any other species. Extensive phenotypic characterization reveals unique biochemical properties that distinguish this novel species from V. cholerae . Comparative genomic analysis reveals a unique set of siderophore genes, suggesting that iron acquisition strategies could be vital for the divergence of the novel species from a common ancestor with V. cholerae . Based on genetic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic differences observed, we propose these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Vibrio , for which the name Vibrio tarriae sp. nov. is proposed. Strain 2521-89 (= DSM 112461 = CCUG 75318), isolated from lake water, is the type strain. Author Notes The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain 2521-89 is [MW773202.1][1]. The genome sequences (genome assemblies) of strains 2521-89, 2523-88, 2015V-1076, 2016V-1018, 2016V-1062, 2017V-1038, 2017V-1070 and 2017V-1124 are deposited under the accession number NZ_CP022353.1, QKKG01000001.1, QKKH00000000.1, QKKI00000000.1, QKKJ00000000.1, QKKK00000000.1, QKKM00000000.1, and QKKN00000000.1, respectively. All the whole genome sequences are deposited under bioproject ID: PRJNA391152. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GEN&access_num=MW773202.1&atom=%2Fbiorxiv%2Fearly%2F2022%2F04%2F17%2F2022.04.17.488585.atom