A study for the differentiation of Actinobacillus seminis, A. actinomycetem-comitans, Histophilus ovis and Pasteurella haemolytica.

By using well-defined techniques under optimum conditions it is possible adequately to define the biochemical characteristics of typical A. seminis strains. A. seminis can be distinguished from Histophilus ovis on the latter's distinctive colony morphology, but it cannot be distinguished from Actinobacillus actinomycetem-comitans. These organisms, however, can be differentiated from Pasteurella haemolytica on serological grounds and the latter's greater pathogenicity for mice. It is appreciated, however, that intermediate forms occur which cannot as yet be satisfactorily allocated to any of the above-mentioned genera.