THE USE OF THE FINAL HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION IN DIFFERENTIATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS HÆMOLYTICUS OF HUMAN AND BOVINE TYPES

Abstract

1. Under the conditions of these experiments, there appears to be a distinct and constant difference in the final hydrogen ion concentration of Streptococcus hæmolyticus from human and bovine sources. 2. Of 124 strains of Streptococcus hæmolyticus from known human origin, 116 reached a final hydrogen ion concentration of from pH 5.0 to 5.3. Only 8 reached a pH more acid than 5.0 and none more acid than pH 4.8. 3. Of 45 strains of Streptococcus hæmolyticus from bovine sources, including 26 strains isolated from milk and the udder of cows, and 19 from cream cheese, 40 reached a final hydrogen ion concentration of pH 4.3 to 4.5. Of the remaining 5 which reached a pH of 5.0 to 5.2, two were of known human type and three of uncertain diagnosis. 4. A rapid and practical application of this method is proposed as a presumptive test in the differentiation of human and bovine types of Streptococcus hæmolyticus.