[Numerical taxonomy of the genus Desulfovibrio by group analysis]

The Desulfovibrio genus has a particular interest because it includes the microorganisms connected with the corrosion produced microbiologically. The taxonomy of the genus shows disadvantages due to its metabolical and physiological characteristics. In this paper, 14 strains of the Desulfovibrio type were studied from the metabolical point of view. Numeric taxonomy was carried out according to the Group Analysis method, using and comparing the change possibilities of the method. The Consensus Method was also applied. The results obtained indicate a low metabolic activity of the strains with regard to the number of compounds which can be used as energy source. The taxonomic method showed a better structure with more clear divisions, corresponding to Simple Matching coefficient (which coincides with other symmetric coefficients and with the distance coefficient) with average bond (UPGMA). It is estimated that the present classification will vary in time with new strains with different metabolic characteristics. The two groups of bacteria correspond to those with more and less degrading ability.