Choline fermentation by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

Baker, F. D. (Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio), H. R. Papiska, and L. Leon Campbell. Choline fermentation by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. J. Bacteriol. 84:973-978. 1962-Hayward and Stadtman pointed out that the organism they described as Vibrio cholinicus is closely related to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. We have established that some strains of D. desulfuricans carry out the same fermentation of choline as does V. cholinicus. We have also shown that V. cholinicus carries out the sulfate-linked fermentation of lactate identical with that of D. desulfuricans. Both organisms have identical reduced cytochrome spectra, with peaks at 417 to 420, 525, and 553 mmu. V. cholinicus also contains the green pigment desulfoviridin, characteristic of D. desulfuricans, which in alkaline solution gives a red fluorescence at 365 mmu. Immunological data from cross-agglutination and absorption tests show that the two organisms have similar antigenic properties. Morphological, cultural, and biochemical studies have also demonstrated that V. cholinicus is indistinguishable from D. desulfuricans. Therefore, V. cholinicus should be regarded taxonomically as a strain of D. desulfuricans.