Re-evaluation of boundaries of <i>Streptococcus mitis</i> and <i>Streptococcus oralis</i> and demonstration of multiple later synonyms of <i>Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis</i> and <i>Streptococcus thalassemiae:</i> description of <i>Streptococcus mitis</i> subsp. <i>carlssonii</i> subsp. nov. and emended description of <i>Streptococcus mitis</i>.

ABSTRACT: The commensal species Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus oralis are genetically diverse to a degree that challenges traditional definitions of species. This causes automatic identification based on DNA sequences or cellular extract profiles problematic. Based on an initial analysis of 266 genomes, we subjected a subset of 100 representative genomes to detailed phylogenetic, pairwise distance and gene pattern analyses. S. mitis and S. oralis constitute a continuum of clones that are genetically unique. To recognize most isolates as separate species is biologically and practically meaningless. We recommend bending the proposed similarity borders to accommodate the biological reality. Accordingly, we conclude that Streptococcus toyakuensis, Streptococc

SUBMITTER: Kilian M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12451636 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature