Biochemical Characteristics of Edwardsiella ictalurit

A total of 119 isolates of Edwardsiella ictaluri collected over the last 7 years from several states were biochemically characterized. Although not very reactive biochemically, this bacterium shows a high degree of homogeneity. Differences were found only in the production of gas from formate or from glucose at 37C and in the production of hydrogen sulfide as detected by lead acetate paper. Analysis of E. ictaluri by year or geographic area indicated that some differences existed, but no clear-cut biotypic variations were found. All isolates studied were capable of degrading chondroitin sulfate, a major component of cartilage, which may be