title: Evaluation of a rapid tube assay for presumptive identification of Escherichia coli from veterinary specimens.
abstract: Three hundred sixty-six isolates of gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacteria from veterinary specimens were tested by a tube test for identification as Escherichia coli by production within 60 min of indole, beta-galactosidase, and beta-glucuronidase. The test correctly identified 255 of 269 isolates of E. coli (95% sensitivity) and correctly indicated that 97 of 97 isolates were not E. coli (100% specificity). We conclude that production of indole, beta-galactosidase, and beta-glucuronidase as measured by a rapid tube test is useful for identification of E. coli from veterinary specimens.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007211:Indoles / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D007211:Indoles; D001616:beta-Galactosidase; D005966:Glucuronidase