Enterobacter agglomerans: the clinically important plant pathogen.

During a 5-month period Enterobacter agglomerans, now described as a member of the phytopathogenic genus Erwinia, was isolated from 13 patients in a general hospital; in 1 patient it was isolated from two sites. In six instances the organism was the sole pathogen isolated, in two instances it may have contributed to infection and in the remaining instances it was probably a transient saprophyte. The strains showed some variation in biochemical reactions but were similar in colonial morphology and were consistently sensitive to several antibiotics. Although this organism is prevalent in the general environment and usually relatively benign, it does have a potential for nosocomial infection.