Identification procedures for oral Actinomyces species.

Rapid tests for carbohydrate fermentation, nitrate reduction and enzymic reactions with single reagents were used for species identification of 144 isolates being gram-positive pleomorphic rods and belonging to the genus Actinomyces. The isolates derived from human supragingival and subgingival plaque. The results were compared with those obtained with reference strains as well as other previously identified strains belonging to Actinomyces and to the related genera Arachnia, Bifidobacterium, Propionibacterium and Rothia. The results showed that species identification within the genus Actinomyces was possible with the tests studied. A key for identification work is hereby provided.