Haemophilus vaginalis 594, a Gram-negative organism?

Abstract

The fine structure of Haemophilus vaginalis 594 (ATCC 14018) was examined by electron microscopy, and the biochemical composition of its cell wall was determined. For comparison, similar studies were done with a Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus megaterium KM, and a Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli B. Both Haemophilus vaginalis 594 and Escherichia coli B possessed a multiple-layered cell wall containing 11 to 14 amino acids, a low mucopeptide content, and no teichoic acid. In contrast, Bacillus megaterium KM had a thick, amorphous cell wall with five amino acids, high mucopeptide content, and detectable amounts of teichoic acid. Haemophilus vaginalis 594 resembled Escherichia coli, a member of the Gram-negative group of organisms. The structural and biochemical properties of Haemophilus vaginalis, which are described in detail, may prove useful in determining the ultimate taxonomic position of this species.