title: Rapid identification of Escherichia coli with a fluorogenic beta-glucuronidase assay.
abstract: We evaluated three fluorogenic methods (MUG; Remel, Lenexa, KS) for the rapid (less than 1 hr) identification of E. coli by detecting beta-glucuronidase activity. The methods included: direct disk inoculation test, tube test, and liquid spot reagent test. Fluorogenic tests were performed on pure cultures of lactose fermenters and compared with identification by Enterotube II (Roche Diagnostics; Nutley, NJ). Organisms yielding disparate results were further analyzed by API 20E (Analytab Products Inc.; Plainview, NY). The tube test was evaluated with isolates subcultured on both MacConkey and blood agars; the direct disk and liquid spot reagent methods were tested with isolates subcultured on blood agar only. All methods were highly specific (greater than 97%). Sensitivity of the beta-glucuronidase tests were method and media dependent, but exceeded 85% in all cases. The direct disk and tube tests also permitted detection of indole formation; results of indole testing, however, contributed little to accurately identifying E. coli.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Papasian
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hertlein
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005453:Fluorescence; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000032:analysis*; D006923:Hymecromone
chemical_list: D006923:Hymecromone; D005966:Glucuronidase