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Some Fermentative Varieties of Bacillus Paratyphosus B

1934; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 34; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s0022172400034537

2396-8184

Sarah H. Warren, J. L. G. Iredale,

Salmonella and Campylobacter epidemiology

A series of nine cases of paratyphoid fever due to infection with anaerogenic strains of B. paratyphosus B are recorded. Biological examination of these strains shows no difference from the ordinary type of B. paratyphosus B except the inability to produce gas from any “sugar.” Serologically these strains are identical with the aerogenic type of the organism. These anaerogenic strains retain their inability to produce gas from “sugar” after subculture on artificial media for a considerable period, and cultivation on a number of different fluid media failed to restore the gas producing power. In the organic salt fermentation test B. paratyphosus B gives a characteristic reaction which is also given by the anaerogenic strains. The fermentative varieties of B. paratyphosus B defined by Kristensen and Bojlèn are definite and can be identified as a matter of practical routine, but the test is delicate and requires care in the preparation of the media and especially in the Bitter test. The existence of these apparently stable fermentative varieties of B. paratyphosus B is likely to be of use in epidemiological investigations. We wish to thank a number of people whose assistance has made it possible for us to carry out this work. Dr J. A. Charles, Medical Officer of Health, Newcastle-on-Tyne, for permission to publish these cases; Dr E. F. Dawson-Walker, Assistant M.O.H., for histories and specimens from the cases. Dr W. M. Scott for many cultures and other assistance. Dr M. Kristensen, Copenhagen, Dr M. A. C. Buckell, Bradford, Dr P. L. Sutherland, Wakefield, for paratyphoid cultures and Dr J. W. H. Morrison, M.O.H., Blaydon-on-Tyne, for a number of specimens.