Micrococcaceae isolated from meat and dairy products (taxonomic study)

149 Micrococcaceae strains (35 reference strains and 114 strains isolated from meat and dairy products) have been studied using 61 biochemical microtests. Numerical taxonomy has distinguished two main biochemical groups which may be characterized by their varying ability to use heteroside compounds. -- A small number of biochemical tests in each group enable the differentiation of 17 taxa corresponding to diverse origins. The wild strains of Micrococcaceae found in foods are very different from reference strains in collections. -- With regard to the present study, it seems that a central biotype exists which may be represented by the taxa 13, 14, 15 and 16 in Fig. 1. -- Given this central biotype, various biochemical differences may be considered as ecological adaptability. Group I corresponds to meat orgin -- Taxa No. 1, 2, correspond to collection strains -- Taxon No. 12 corresponds to cheese origin -- Taxa No. 8, 9 and 10 correspond to milk origin.