Observations on the genus Aerobacter with a description of two species

Abstract

Support is given to (a) the recommendation to divide the genus Aerobacter into 2 species, A. aerogenes and A. cloacae, and (2) the draft proposals 3 and 4 which would conserve the genus Aerobacter Beijerinck 1900 and designate A. aerogenes (Kruse) Beijerlnck as the type species. It is suggested that the species be limited to typically motile forms with the realization that nonmotile variants occur. Separation of genera and species would not be based on motility alone, but upon a combination of biochemical characteristics. Definition of the genus Aerobacter is given. Biochemical characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae, A. aerogenes and A. cloacae are given.