title: Characterisation of an unusual bacterium isolated from genital ulcers.
abstract: The preliminary characterisation of an unusual gram-negative bacillus isolated from genital ulcers in Swaziland is reported. Like Haemophilus ducreyi, it is an oxidase positive, nitrate-reductase-positive gram-negative rod that forms streptobacillary chains in some circumstances; it was therefore called the "ducreyi-like bacterium" (DLB). Distinguishing features of DLB are production of alpha-haemolysis on horse-blood agar, stimulation of growth by a microaerophilic atmosphere and by a factor produced by Staphylococcus aureus, a strongly positive porphyrin test, and a remarkable ability to undergo autolysis. DLB had a guanine + cytosine value of c. 50 mole% but it cannot be classified, even at the genus level, until more taxonomic data are obtained.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001482:Base Composition; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D013541:Eswatini; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000382:microbiology*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000382:microbiology*; D006191:Haemophilus ducreyi / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014456:Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA