[Bacteriological characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae. Incidence and conditions of appearance of the pigmentation. Sensitivity to antibiotics].

From a bacteriological study of 137 strains of streptococcus agalactiae, it seems that this species is perfectly defined by bacteriological tests, the most characteristic of which is hydrolysis with hippuric acid. The brown pigment of the strains, the conditions for demonstration of which are described and discussed here, may also be an important characteristic for it is rare in streptococci. The pigment was extracted, its nature and role are discussed. The sensitivity to 12 antibiotics was studied; the beta-lactamines were the most commonly active.