Phenotypical properties of Enterobacter agglomerans (Pantoea agglomerans) from human, animal and plant sources.

ABSTRACT

Clinical, animal and plant isolates, representing different geographical areas, were identified as Enterobacter agglomerans (Pantoea agglomerans) using a quantitative bacterial dot method for DNA-DNA hybridization. The phenotypical properties of the 65 strains were investigated by conventional test methods. No strain decarboxylated ornithine. Twenty-two strains, mainly plant isolates, showed delayed acid production from alpha-methyl-glycoside, a trait which may have ecological significance. With regard to these two properties, our results differed from the description of Pantoea agglomerans given by Gavini et al. (6); further investigations will clarify these differences. Three non-pigmented, maltose-negative and salicin-negative variants were derived from yellow pigmented, maltose-positive, salicin-positive strains.