A PROBABILITY MATRIX FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF CAMPYLOBACTERS, HELICOBACTERS AND ALLIED TAXA

A probabilistic identification matrix for campylobacteria, comprising 67 phenotypic characters and 37 taxa, is described. The accuracy and i ntegrity of the matrix was evaluated using established computer-assist ed methods. Certain taxa (for example, Campylobacter concisus and Camp . gracilis) demonstrated significant phenotypic diversity; previous da ta corroborated these findings. Differentiation between a few pairs of taxa proved difficult, although discriminatory characteristics were n oted in each of these cases. The results indicate that most campylobac teria can be identified accurately and objectively with phenotypic tes ts when probabilistic methods of data assessment are employed.