Phylogenetic Analysis of Xanthomonas albilineans Strains from Okinawa, Japan, Through a Comparison of the gyrB and rpoD Genes in Geographically Distinct Strains

The phylogenetic relationships of Xanthomonas albilineans strains isolated in Okinawa, Japan, between January and March 2002 were investigated by comparing their gyrB and rpoD gene sequences. Partial gyrB and rpoD sequences from 31 X. albilineans strains were determined, including 21 Okinawa strains and 10 geographically distinct strains. The Okinawa isolates formed a homogenous group and correspond to strains from the Caribbean islands (St Lucia and Barbados), Guyana and Sri Lanka. The level of sequence diversity in the gyrB and rpoD genes depended on the geographic origin of the strains, suggesting that sequence analysis of these genes can be useful for differentiating genetic variants within the X. albilineans species.