An investigation of a collection of yellow-pigmented Pseudomonas.

Thirty-six strains of yellow-pigmented Pseudomonas from clinical as well as non-clinical material and 11 reference strains of Pseudomonas were investigated by means of conventional bacteriological methods (a total of 53 different tests). Eighteen of the 36 yellow-pigmented strains could be classified as P. paucimobilis. Apart from the presence of lipid inclusions on beta-hydroxybutyrate, hydrolysis of DNA, and Tween 80 our results showed a high degree of accordance with other investigations. Eight strains showed characteristics compatible with inclusion in the CDC VE group; one orange-yellow strain showed the characteristics of P. vesicularis, and one was a pyoverdin negative, yellow P. putida. Eight strains remained unidentified. Strains of P. paucimobilis were most often resistant to antibiotics used for P. aeruginosa infections (viz. piperacillin, cefsulodin, ceftazidime) while the strains of the CDC VE group were often susceptible. Most strains were susceptible to the aminoglycosides. The difficulties in distinguishing yellow-pigmented strains of Pseudomonas from Flavobacterium spp. or Xanthomonas spp. are discussed.