Evaluation of two rapid modifications of the 4-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (PGUA) assay for the identification of Escherichia coli from urine.
Two rapid modifications of a tube assay for the detection of beta-glucuronidase activity (PGUA assay) were evaluated for the identification of Escherichia coli from urine cultures. A microwell and filter paper adaptation of the PGUA assay were tested using 1,234 oxidase-negative, Gram-negative rods isolated from urine on MacConkey agar in clinically significant numbers. There was perfect correlation between both methods and 676 of 797 E. coli isolates were PGUA-positive within 2 h while all of remaining isolates were PGUA-negative (sensitivity = 85%; specificity = 100%). We conclude that either modified format of the PGUA assay provides a useful, inexpensive, and rapid alternative spot test for the definitive identification of E. coli from urine because of the high degree of specificity.
Microbiology Division, Henry Ford Hospital, 48202, Detroit, MI, USA. dunne@pathbox.wustl.edu
W M
WM
Dunne
J F
JF
Eisses
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000145:classification* / Q000201:enzymology*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology*
D005966:Glucuronidase