A numerical taxonomic study of coryneform and related bacteria

Abstract

A series of 233 strains of coryneform bacteria, including representatives of the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Erysipelothrix, Jensenia, Kurthia, Listeria, Microbacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardia and Propionibacterium and other related bacteria were studied using 173 morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The bacteria were grown on a soil extract medium which allowed growth of all the strains, and all were incubated at 30°C. The results were subjected to computer analysis. The majority of the strains grouped into eight main clusters representing: (A) Lactobacillus, Listeria, Microbacterium thermosphactum and Streptococcus faecalis; (B) Erysipelothrix and Streptococcus pyogenes; (C) animal corynebacteria and Microbacterium flavum; (D) Cellulomonas and related bacteria; (E) Propionibacterium; (F) Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Kurthia and Mycobacterium rhodochrous; (G) plant pathogenic corynebacteria; (H) Nocardia. Based on these clusters, several recommendations are made regarding the classification of the coryneform area. (i). The members of clusters A and B at present placed in the Corynebacteriaceae would seem better moved to the Lactobacillaceae. (ii) The genus Corynebacterium would best be retained for the type species C. diphtheriae, closely related animal corynebacteria and Micro. flavum. (iii) Cellulomonas and Propionibacterium are distinct taxa more closely related to Corynebacterium than to either Arthrobacter or Lactobacillus. (iv) Clusters F and G are evidently heterogeneous. In particular the positions of Kurthia and the plant pathogenic corynebacteria are unclear. Arthrobacter is a large loose taxon and it is premature to decide on its taxonomic rank. The genus Brevibacterium should be retained for B. linens and closely related strains. (v) The cellulolytic forms of Nocardia should be removed from the genus; they are however quite distinct from Cellulomonas.