Rothia nasisuis

Rothia nasisuis is a species of Gram-positive, aerobic bacteria from the genus Rothia. It was first isolated from the nasal cavity of healthy pigs in Germany and formally proposed as a new species in 2018. The species name derives from Latin, meaning "from the nose of a pig".

Description

Rothia nasisuis cells are Gram-positive cocci that typically form tetrads or irregular clusters. Colonies on blood agar are small, round, white, and non-hemolytic. The species is catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. It grows aerobically and has a high G+C content, consistent with other members of its genus.
Genomic analyses have revealed that R. nasisuis encodes a biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for the production of valinomycin, a cyclic peptide antibiotic. This feature may contribute to microbial interactions within its natural niche.

Ecology

Rothia nasisuis has been found predominantly in the nasal passages and tonsils of swine. It is considered part of the normal nasal microbiota and has not been associated with disease. Its ability to inhibit the growth of other bacteria, including streptococci, may indicate a role in maintaining microbial balance in the pig respiratory tract.