The Classification of 'Bacterium salmonicida'

Abstract

SUMMARY: Forty-two strains of ‘Bacterium salmonicida’, six of a non-pigmented fish pathogen and forty-two Aeromonas strains were compared morphologically, culturally, biochemically and metabolically. The results, which were computed electronically, showed a distinct difference between ‘B. salmonicida’ and the Aeromonas species. On the grounds of this variation in morphology, culture and biochemistry, it is suggested that ‘B. salmonicida’ be removed from the genus Aeromonas and given a generic place in the family Pseudomonadaceae. The name Necromonas salmonicida is suggested as an alternative to ‘B. salmonicida’.