STREPTOMYCES ALBUS (ROSSI-DORIA) WAKSMAN ET HENRICI: TAXONOMIC STUDY OF STRAINS LABELED STREPTOMYCES ALBUS

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Abstract
A review of the literature and a taxonomic study of 55 strains of Streptomyces albus have been made. The results indicate that 2 entirely different concepts regarding the species have existed since 1916. The earlier concept suggests recognition of some member of the S. griseus group as the neotype of S. albus sensu Rossi-Doria and other investigators. Much of the earlier literature concerning S. albus refers to streptomycetes in the S. grisaus group and many strains, including a majority of those studied, are strains of that species. The other concept centers around streptomycetes that possess coiled fruiting bodies with catenulate, elongated, ovoidal, smooth-walled spores; form a cretaceus (chalk-white, often tinged with pink) sporulating aerial mycelium, are nonchromogenic (unable to form brown, deep brown, or black diffusible pigments in organic substrata); are unable to form H2S; and grow poorly on Czapek''s solution agar. Seventeen of 55 strains studied had these characteristics. It is proposed that the second concept of S. albus be accepted. This proposal is made to prevent obvious confusion that would ensue were the original concept for the species recognized. The results of this study suggest a careful examination of the synonymy of S. albus.
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