A Study of the So-called Bacterium Typhi Flavum

Abstract

1. The results of a study of 19 strains of the so-called Bacterium typhi flavum are given.2. It is a Gram-negative rod, motile at 22° C., producing yellow colonies on agar and capable of fermenting a range of carbohydrates, but not lactose, with production of acid but no gas. It is not an antigenically homogeneous species.3. The organism is widespread, especially in air, dust and plants, and thus may be isolated from various animal sources.4. Prolonged subculture on agar failed to produce confirmation of the claims of certain workers to have observed the appearance of Bact, typhosum as variants of Bact. typhi flavum.5. It is suggested that any relation of this organism to enteric infections is unproven and that its appropriate place is in the genus Chromobacterium.