Characterization of three Aeromonas and nine pseudomonas species by extracellular enzymes and haemolysins.

Strains from type culture collections and clinical isolates belonging to the Aeromonas and Pseudomonas genera were identified with conventional tests. Production of extra-cellular enzymes and haemolysins were detected by simple plate agar methods. The following enzymes were found to be of special value for a rapid and simple classification of certain species in both genera: potease (casein and gelatin agar), lecithinase (lecithin agar), and deoxyribonuclease (DNA agar). Elastase, staphylolytic enzyme, lipase, ribonuclease, amylase, and egg yolk reaction were other enzymes studied. However, these tests were not positive for more than 90% of any species. A. hydrophila, A. salmonicida, and P. aeruginosa were haemolytic on agar containing rabbit erythrocytes.