The family Intrasporangiaceae

Abstract

The family Intrasporangiaceae, proposed on the basis of phylogenetic evidence, is a genus-rich taxon of the order Micrococcales, comprising more than 50 species with a wide range of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties and thriving in a wide range of habitats. Even at the genus level some taxa are taxonomically heterogeneous. While several genera contain more than a single species, more recently described genera are defined by only their type strain. In contrast to earlier phylogenetic analysis, recent evidence shows the polyphyletic structure of the family with some genera branching outside the core of the family. Tetrasphaera, Janibacter, and Terrabacter species are of ecological importance as they are involved in biological phosphate removal from wastewater and bioremediation processes. The clinical significance is low though the number of reports including members of the family being involved in infections as opportunistic pathogens is increasing.