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Biotypes of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum
P Carlson1, K Lounatmaa, S Kontiainen
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Aurora Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Two Arcanobacterium haemolyticum biotypes were identified based on colony morphology and biochemical tests. The smooth type, common in wound infections, differs from the rough type, typically found in respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a bacterium known to cause various infections.
- Understanding its biotypes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between Arcanobacterium haemolyticum biotypes based on distinct phenotypic characteristics.
- To investigate the association of these biotypes with specific infection sites.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum strains (n=138) using colony morphology.
- Assessing beta-hemolysis on horse blood agar.
- Evaluating beta-glucuronidase activity.
- Testing the fermentation of sucrose and trehalose.
Main Results:
- Two distinct biotypes were identified: a smooth type and a rough type.
- The smooth type exhibited beta-hemolysis and was beta-glucuronidase negative, often fermenting sucrose/trehalose.
- The rough type was nonhemolytic, beta-glucuronidase positive, and did not ferment sucrose/trehalose.
- Approximately 75% of strains were the smooth type.
- Smooth-type strains were predominantly isolated from wound infections (84%).
- Rough-type strains were primarily isolated from respiratory tract specimens (91%).
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic characteristics effectively differentiate Arcanobacterium haemolyticum into two biotypes.
- The smooth and rough biotypes show a strong predilection for distinct infection sites, with smooth types linked to wounds and rough types to respiratory infections.