MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GENUS CHROMOBACTERIUM

Abstract

A morphological and physiological study is presented of 28 selected strains of the genus Chromobacterium, including several strains recently isolated from infected animals. All strains possessed a predominantly single, polar flagellum and, with the exception of 4 strains, one or more lateral flagella. The wave length of the polar flagella averaged 2.19[mu], and that of the lateral flagella 1. 31[mu]. Physiologically the strains formed 3 fairly homogeneous and distinct groups, each of which is suggested as a species. Group 1, named Chromobacterium manilae, ferments (sensu strictu) several carbohydrates and grows well at 37[degree]C Group 2, named C. laurentium, does not ferment any carbohydrates and oxidizes only glucose and levulose of the carbohydrates tested, and grows well as 37[degree]C Group 3, named C. violaceum, does not ferment any carbo-hydrates but oxidizes many carbohydrates. The organisms of this group do not grow at 37[degree]C and are psychrophilic.