[Clarifying the systematic position of Actinomyces erythraeus Waksman et Curtis 1916 and its transfer to the genus Proactinomyces].

Cell walls of Actinomyces erythraeus RIA-1387 were found to contain m-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose, and galactose (type IV of cell walls). The mycelium undergoes fragmentation during superficial and submerged growth, and is not susceptible, or only mildly sensitive, to the action of lysozyme. The colonies of Act. erythraeus have no horizontal layers. These data suggest that the organism was erroneously classed as belonging to the Actinomyces genus. It should be transferred to the Proactinomyces genus under the name of Proactinomyces erythraeus (Waksman et Curtis) comb. nov.