Abstract

Gordonia spp. are members of the actinomycete family, and the environment, especially soil, is the natural habitat of this genus of bacteria. Gordonia spp. are important for two aspects: first, some Gordonia species cause a broad spectrum of diseases in healthy and immunocompromised individuals; second, these bacteria are capable of producing useful secondary metabolites, which may be used in various industries; therefore, discrimination of the genus Gordonia from other genera in the actinomycete family is important. Phenotypic and molecular techniques are necessary for accurate identification of Gordonia at the species level.