[Alteromonas putrefaciens. Taxonomy and cultivation (author's transl)]

The morphology and biochemical activity of pseudomonas/Alteromonas putrefaciens is described. Features indicating the uncertain taxonomic position of the organism are discussed, and it is pointed out why A. putrefaciens does not fit into neither Pseudomonas nor Alteromonas, but should be considered as a separate unit or group. Table I shows criteria which can be used for differentiation between A. putrefaciens and the genera pseudomonas, Alcaligenes and Alteromonas. Essential characteristics are it's ability to decarboxylate ornithine, it's production of a typical pink pigment and the production of H2S in suitable media. Methods for isolation and quantitation of the organism are generally based on the latter two characteristics.