Our studies show that most gram negative bacteria
that metabolize carbohydrates do so either
exclusively oxidatively or fermentatively. Either
reaction may be so weak or slow that the results
are doubtful. Some bacteria apparently both
ferment and oxidize carbohydrates. The medium
will not demonstrate oxidation of a carbohydrate
which is actively fermented by the organism. If
the fermentation is weak or slow, oxidative metabolism
may be demonstrated. The group of
bacteria commonly called paxacolon bacteria apparently
may oxidize lactose, ferment lactose, or
carry out both reactions. With some strains acid