Fylaktou A, Liakos B, Iliadis N.

The biochemical properties of 53 strains of Penibacillus larvae larvae, the pathogenic cause of the Αmerican foulbrood, isolated in Cyprus, were determined. According to the results of the present study all strains: Metabolized glucose, threalose and glycerol with production of acid. Provoked hydrolysis of casein, coagulation and clearness of litmus milk, disintegration of lipids and gelatin. Produced hydrogen sulfite from the added cystein-HCl, but varied widely in the time of appearance of the former. Were developed on a substrate containing NaCl up to 2%. All strains were negative to the tests of catalase, oxidasse coaculase, Voges Proskauer and Methyl Red. No strains produced hydrolysis of starch or haemolysis of sheep blood. Forty three of fifty three stains (81%) reduced nitrate to nitrite.

Key words: Penibacillus larvae larvae, Bacillus larvae, biochemical properties.