The 181 bacteria classified as Proteus rettgeri biovar 5 considered to be a group intermediate to P. rettgeri and Providencia stuartii were found, in all cases, to possess O-specificities characteristic of Providencia O-serovars. Isolates of the intermediate group showed biochemical reactions characteristic of Prov. stuartii except for positive reactions in tests for urea hydrolysis. The reassignment of the intermediate strains (P. rettgeri biovar 5) to Prov. stuartii is advocated.
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PennerJ. L., HintonN. A., WhiteleyG. R., HennessyJ. N.1976; Variation in urease activity of endemic hospital strains of Proteus rettgeri and Providencia stuartii. J. Infect. Dis. 134:370–376
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