CHARACTERIZATION OF BREVIBACTERIUM SPP FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS

Nonfermenting coryneform bacteria identified as Brevibacterium spp. were isolated from routine clinical specimens. Four strains were derived from peritoneal fluid and had presumably been involved in the pathogenesis of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis. Another five isolates most probably represented skin contaminants. Cell wall and lipid analyses confirmed the genus identification. Strains in this taxon are difficult to distinguish from other biochemically inactive and nonmotile coryneform species but show characteristic cellular fatty acid profiles. In vitro susceptibilities to commonly used antibiotics were determined.