Studies on the growth of Eikenella corrodens strain 23834

The growth characteristics and nutritional requirements of Eikenella corrodens strain 23834 were studied. Generation times, growth rates, and cell yields were determined employing a basal medium supplemented with yeast extract (YE), vitamins, amino acids, phosphate, nitrogen, and sulfate. Incubation was in a variety of air, CO₂, and N₂ atmospheres. Incubation statically in air or in 10% CO₂+ 90% air did not affect the growth rate, while Na₂CO₃, bubbling with various atmospheres, shaking, or anaerobic incubation all decreased the growth rate. Atmospheric CO₂ was found not to be a requirement for growth. The addition of 1‐2.5% YE decreased the generation time and increased the cell yield. The growth‐promoting factor(s) of YE was a low molecular weight, water‐soluble, dialyzable substance which is stable to and not extractable by chloroform‐methanol. Vitamins and amino acids singly or in combination were slightly growth‐promoting and purines, pyrimidines, and acetate had no effect on Eikenella growth. Increasing concentrations of phosphate inhibited growth, while nitrate but not sulfate proved essential for growth.