MOTILE ENTEROCOCCI ( STREPTOCOCCUS FAECIUM VAR. MOBILIS VAR. N.) ISOLATED FROM GRASS SILAGE

Abstract

The motile streptococci studied compared favorably to the enterococcus grouping. Physiological characteristics obtained placed them in the species Streptococcus faecium (Orla-Jensen). They were different from Streptococcus faecalis in several characteristics. They differed in their ability to ferment arabinose, xylose, melibiose, rhamnose, raffinose and inulin, failure to ferment sorbitol, generally slower acid production in litmus milk, slight differences in growth response on potassium tellurite, and ability to reduce tetra-zolium and usual lack of active tyrosine decarboxylase systems. The authors suggest that the motile strains be given variety status and propose the name Streptococcus faecium var. mobilis var. n. The type species should be designated as Streptococcus faecium var. faecium var. n.