A Serological Approach to the Genus Pseudomonas

Abstract

Summary: Serological methods are described by which organisms of the genus Pseudomonas and related genera can be compared. More specific relationships are demonstrated by agglutination techniques or agar diffusion with trichloroacetic acid extracts; less specific relationships are shown by agar diffusion with disintegrated cell preparations. Up to three strain specific antigens may be found and at least six antigens are widely distributed amongst strains of the genera Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Vibrio and Aeromonas.The results obtained so far indicate little or no agreement with any accepted taxo‐nomic divisions. Evidence is presented which suggests that most of the antigens detectable by agar diffusion techniques are polysaccharide in nature rather than protein.