Abstract

Eight strains of Moraxella phenylpyruvica have been isolated from clinical material in the United Kingdom, the first to be reported from this country. They were characterized, together with three strains of M. phenylpyruvica of the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC), and compared with NCTC strains of eight other Moraxella species. The strains of M. phenylpyruvica formed a homogeneous group which is readily distinguishable from other Moraxella species. Deamination of phenylalanine is not restricted to M. phenylpyruvica which, however, is urease positive and is stimulated by bile, in contrast to other Moraxella spp.