Differential susceptibility of Aeromonas hydrophila and Enterobacteriaceae to nalidixic acid

The susceptibility of 49 strains of Aeromonas hydrophila and 77 strains of Enterobacteriaceae towards nalidixic acid was compared by tube dilution and agar diffusion methods. A higher susceptibility was exhibited by Aerom. hydrophila and no overlap in MICs was found for strains of the two groups of microorganisms. Discs containing 0.25 microgram of nalidixic acid produced measurable zones of growth inhibition with Aerom. hydrophila and no zones with the Enterobacteriaceae. The use of a disc with 0.25 microgram of nalidixic acid for the primary differentiation of strains of Aerom. hydrophila from those of the Enterobacteriaceae with similar biochemical properties is suggested.