Gordonia nitida Yoon et al. 2000 is a later synonym of Gordonia alkanivorans Kummer et al. 1999

Abstract

The name of the species Gordonia nitida is validly published but its type strain DSM 44499T shares high similarity based on 16S rRNA gene sequences with Gordonia alkanivorans DSM 44369T and Gordonia westfalica DSM 44215T. These three species obviously build up a distinct cluster within the genus Gordonia. In the present paper, data from the literature concerning the three Gordonia species were reviewed and the genetic similarity of G. nitida DSM 44499T and G. alkanivorans DSM 44369T was further investigated by DNA–DNA-hybridization experiments, revealing approximately 80 % DNA–DNA relatedness. Even though the two type strains could be differentiated by automated ribotyping, it is proposed that, according to the rules of priority, G. nitida is a later synonym of G. alkanivorans.