Analysis by gas chromatography of fatty acids found in whole cultural extracts of Neisseria species

Abstract

Sixty-five strains of Neisseria were tested. They included 12 species and several serogroups of N. meningitidis. A variety of acids, including keto acids, were detected by gas chromatography. Many of the acids detected have not been previously reported. Strains of N. meningitidis and N. catarrhalis were found to comprise a heterogeneous group. Cultures of N. flavescens, N. sicca, N. subflava, N. perflava, and N. cinerea produced acid patterns like N. meningitidis serogroup B. N. flava and N. mucosa were also like this group except that phenylpyruvic acid was detected in cultures of the former organisms. Strains of N. gonorrhoeae differed from strains of N. meningitidis in that acetic acid was produced, propionic acid was not used, and only a moderate amount of α-ketoisocaproic acid was detected. Strains of N. lactamicus, N. haemolysans, N. ovis, and N. catarrhalis also produced characteristic patterns that distinguished them from other species tested. The data indicate that criteria in addition to those now routinely used should be established to identify some members of the genus properly.