Which Enterobacteriaceae are known to commonly produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S)?

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production is a significant characteristic that can help in identifying certain members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Salmonella species are well-known for their ability to produce H2S. This gas is typically detected in laboratory settings using culture media such as triple sugar iron agar, which contains iron salts that react with H2S to form a black precipitate. The ability to produce H2S is an important metabolic trait that distinguishes Salmonella from other genera in the family, particularly those that do not typically produce this gas.

In contrast, the other genera mentioned—Shigella, Escherichia, and Yersinia—do not commonly produce H2S. Shigella is primarily lactose-negative and does not produce gas during fermentation, while Escherichia species, particularly E. coli, do not produce H2S under typical laboratory conditions. Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is also known to lack this gas production. Therefore, Salmonella is the standout genus among these options regarding the production of hydrogen sulfide.