Leuconostoc argentinum sp. nov., isolated from Argentine raw milk

The levels of genotypic relatedness among seven strains of Leuconostoc spp. isolated from Argentine raw milk, Leuconostoc lactis DSM 20202T (T = type strain) and DSM 20198, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides NCDO 523T, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum NCDO 529T, and Leuconostoc paramesenteroides DSM 20288T were determined by performing a numerical analysis of total soluble cell protein patterns and DNA-DNA hybridization data. The Argentine raw milk strains formed a tight genotypic cluster at an r value of ≥0.85 and exhibited low levels of DNA homology with the other species included in this study. These strains represent a new species within the group of leuconostocs isolated from milk or dairy products. The name Leuconostoc argentinum sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is strain LL76.