Evaluation of a phenotypic scheme for identification of the 'butyrate-producing' Peptostreptococcus species.
Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) are isolated from approximately one quarter of all infections involving anaerobic bacteria. However, studies of the significance of this group of pathogens have been hindered by an inadequate taxonomy and the lack of a valid identification scheme. In the present study, a phenotypic scheme for the identification of 'butyrate-producing' GPAC based on the analysis of volatile fatty acid profiles by gas-liquid chromatography, biochemical profiles (including the use of the rapid ID 32 A commercial kit) and carbohydrate fermentation reactions, was evaluated. The identity of 68 clinical isolates of GPAC was determined by application of the scheme published by Murdoch. The scheme was found to be easy to apply and only four of the test isolates could not be readily assigned to a species or well-defined group. The species most frequently identified in the test collection were Peptostreptoccoccus vaginalis, P. tetradius and the betaGAL group. A large number of strains was assigned to the heterogeneous 'prevotii/tetradius' group. Some species regarded as being restricted to particular clinical sites were shown to be more widespread than previously thought. The clinical source of the isolates did not show any consistent correlation with species identity.
M J
MJ
Wilson
Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology and *PHLS Anaerobe Reference Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN.
V
V
Hall
Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology and *PHLS Anaerobe Reference Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN.
J
J
Brazier
M A O
MAO
Lewis
D002087:Butyrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D010462:Peptostreptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype
D002087:Butyrates