A xanthine-negative, melibiose-positive species of Streptomyces

The organism VH/CN-71 which had been isolated from a growth in a cat and described initially as an "unusual strain of Nocardia" is a streptomycete. This organism can also produce acid from melibiose although it is unable to decompose xanthine. Its sporophores are short, hooked, curved, or open-looped with extended spirals. Present data suggest that VH/CN-71 may belong to the "flavus" series of Streptomyces.