The genome sequence of L. hongkongensis HLHK9 was determined with the whole-genome shotgun method. Three shotgun libraries were generated: one small-insert (2-4 kb) library and one medium-insert (5-6 kb) library in pcDNA2.1, and a largeinsert (35-45 kb) fosmid library in pCC2FOS. DNA sequencing was performed using dye-terminator chemistries on ABI3700 sequencers. Shotgun sequences were assembled with Phrap. Fosmid end sequences were mapped onto the assembly using BACCardI [38] for validation and support of gap closing. Sequences of all large repeat elements (rRNA operons and prophages) were confirmed by primer walking of fosmid clones.