Phenotypical properties of Enterobacter agglomerans (Pantoea agglomerans) from human, animal and plant sources.

Clinical, animal and plant isolates, representing different geographical areas, were identified as Enterobacter agglomerans (Pantoea agglomerans) using a quantitative bacterial dot method for DNA-DNA hybridization. The phenotypical properties of the 65 strains were investigated by conventional test methods. No strain decarboxylated ornithine. Twenty-two strains, mainly plant isolates, showed delayed acid production from alpha-methyl-glycoside, a trait which may have ecological significance. With regard to these two properties, our results differed from the description of Pantoea agglomerans given by Gavini et al. (6); further investigations will clarify these differences. Three non-pigmented, maltose-negative and salicin-negative variants were derived from yellow pigmented, maltose-positive, salicin-positive strains.