THE CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ACETIC ACID BACTERIA

Abstract

Consideration is given to the question of how a knowledge of the characteristics of organisms of the genus Acetobacter may best be applied to the task of differentiating between the species and of identifying them. Attention is drawn to the fact that until recently no standardized procedure had been available for the examination of the members of this genus. This situation has now been remedied, the Authors having published recently33 the details of a systematic procedure for the characterization of the numerous species of the acetic acid bacteria. Information gained in studies of these organisms is now discussed critically and recommendations are made respecting various techniques likely to be helpful in the task of identification. Apart from the simple diagnostic tests which form the routine examination, more detailed experimental work may be required in some cases to permit identification of certain species, and the nature of this supplementary work is indicated. 1946 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling