Steinernema silvaticum is a common entomopathogenic nematode in soil of Europe; however, little is known about the bacteria living in symbiosis with this animal. In this study, we have isolated four bacterial strains from S. silvaticum and identified them as members of the species Xenorhabdus bovienii. This study was based on 16S rRNA and concatenated recA, dnaN, gltX, and gyrB gene sequence analysis. In addition, phenotypic traits have been considered, indicating that the tested strains are the most similar to those of X. bovienii. The phylogenetic relationships between the isolated strains and other strains of X. bovienii derived from various nematode hosts were analyzed and discussed. This is the first report confirming the symbiotic association of X. bovienii with S. silvaticum.
Keywords: Entomopathogenic nematodes; Phylogeny; Steinernema silvaticum; Symbiosis; Xenorhabdus bovienii.