A Study Of The Carbohydrate Fermentation Reactions Of Clostridium Oedematiens (Cl. Novyi)

The carbohydrate fermentation reactions of Clostridium oedematiens were critically assessed with particular reference to problems that are encountered in the test procedure. Frequent failures of growth occurred in currently accepted basal media, and a test procedure was developed with a medium that supports consistent growth of this demanding anaerobe. The medium consists of nutrient broth and freshly prepared meat particles; acid production was measured with a pH meter. The results of carbohydrate fermentation tests with 26 strains of CI. oedematiens representing at least one strain of each type suggest that the fermentation patterns may be of value when strains are encountered that do not fit readily into the present serological scheme of classification. The advantages of the fermentation test procedure developed in the present study are discussed in relation to the disadvantages of other fermentation test systems for anaerobic organisms.