Physiological Relationships of Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria

Abstract

The physiological properties of a collection of rapidly growing acid-fast bacilli were analysed according to a simple mathematical method proposed by Sneath. Closer relationships were observed between Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. phlei than between either of them and M. fortuitum; all three species form natural groups. On the basis of the Adansonian classification two other small groups were found which probably are new species. Some unnamed strains which could not be included in any of the groups mentioned above were placed in the classification and collectively labelled irregular branch. A key for the rapid identification of the specific groups is described.