title: Evaluation of the rapid decarboxylase and dihydrolase test for the differentiation of nonfermentative bacteria.
abstract: A rapid medium for the detection of lysine and ornithine decarboxylase and arginine dihydrolase activity of 439 strains of gram-negative, nonfermenting bacteria was evaluated and compared with Moeller decarboxylase medium. Results were obtained in 4 to 24 h using the rapid medium, whereas Moeller medium often required extended (3 to 7 days) incubation. There was 100% agreement in the lysine tests with both media and almost 100% agreement in the ornithine tests. There was 91% agreement in the arginine tests, with the significance of discrepant results discussed. The sensitivity, specificity, and quick results obtained by the rapid test make it a suitable substitute for Moeller medium for the identication of gram-negative, nonfermenting bacteria.
mesh_terms: D001120:Arginine / Q000378:metabolism; D002262:Carboxy-Lyases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003470:Culture Media; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005285:Fermentation; D006867:Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008239:Lysine / Q000378:metabolism; D009952:Ornithine / Q000378:metabolism; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D001120:Arginine; D009952:Ornithine; D006867:Hydrolases; D002262:Carboxy-Lyases; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase; D008239:Lysine