The biochemical characteristics of Campylobacter-like organisms from cattle and pigs.

Examination of catalase-positive Campylobacter-like organisms from cattle and pig abortions, indicated the existence of two distinct biochemical groups. The group 1 strains, predominantly of intestinal origin, were identified as C fetus subspecies intestinalis whereas the group 2 strains appeared similar but not identical to C fetus subspecies venerealis. This second group of organisms was recovered from fetal and placental tissue of animals which aborted, however, the majority of strains were isolated only at 30 degrees C in media not generally employed for Campylobacter isolation. All of the strains from group 2 became aerotolerant on subculture.