Phylogenetic placement of Sarcina ventriculi and Sarcina maxima within group I Clostridium, a possible problem for future revision of the genus Clostridium. Request for an opinion.

The 16S rRNA gene sequences of Sarcina ventriculi DSM 286T (T = type strain) and Sarcina maxima DSM 316T were determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these two species are closely related to each other and belong to group I Clostridium (sensu Johnson and Francis). The implications of these phylogenetic findings for future revision of the genus Clostridium are discussed.