Characterization of Enterobacter agglomerans (Erwinia spp.) from clinical specimens.

The biochemical reactions of 18 anaerogenic and 45 aerogenic isolates of Enterobacter agglomerans are described and used for subdivision in the biogroups suggested by Ewing & Fife. The presence of special cultural characteristics (symplasmata and biconvex bodies) was also recorded and was found to be unrelated to formation of gas from glucose. Previous authors have reported such structures in anaerogenic cultures only. The amount of gas produced varied to a great extent between strains and also proved to be dependent on incubation temperature. The results do not support the division of E. agglomerans into one anaerogenic and one aerogenic major subgroup. The value of the gelatin liquefaction test for characterization of the species is emphasized.