How does an API strip identify bacterial species?
API test strips consists of wells containing dehydrated substrates to detect enzymatic activity, usually related to fermentation of carbohydrate or catabolism of proteins or amino acids by the inoculated organisms. A bacterial suspension is used to rehydrate each of the wells and the strips are incubated.
What are the methods of identification of bacteria?
When identifying bacteria in the laboratory, the following characteristics are used: Gram staining, shape, presence of a capsule, bonding tendency, motility, respiration, growth medium, and whether it is intra- or extracellular.
How many tests can be done with the API 20E bacterial identification kit?
API 20 E is a standardized identification system for Enterobacteriaceae and other non-fastidious, Gram- negative rods which uses 21 miniaturized biochemical tests and a database.
What type of bacteria may be identified using the API 20E strip?
This API-20E test strip (from bioMerieux, Inc.) is used to identify the enteric gram negative rods (although API makes a variety of other test strips for yeast, Staph, anaerobes, etc.)
Why is API 20E only useful for identifying gram-negative rods and not other bacterial species?
The API 20E is only useful for identifying Gram-negative rods and not other bacterial species as well because they differ in the oxidase positivity and negativity.
How does the API 20E biochemical test work?
Take the API20E Biochemical Test Strip which contains dehydrated bacterial media/bio-chemical reagents in 20 separate compartments. API20E Biochemical Test Strip is commercially available. (Bacteria will react with them and will give different colors which will help to identify bacteria to the species level).
What is the API system for microorganism identification?
The well-established method for manual microorganism identification to the species level, bioMérieux’s API identification products are test kits for identification of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and yeast. The system offers a large and robust database now accessible through the Internet-based APIWEB™ service.
How long does API 20E Multitest strip last?
Fast and efficient (18-24 hour identification of Enterobacteriaceae and other non-fastidious gram negative bacteria) API strips have a long shelf life, enabling every laboratory to keep the test kits on hand. https://bio.libretexts.org/Demos%2C_Techniques%2C_and_Experiments/Microbiology_Labs_I/43%3A_API-20E_multitest_strip
What do you need to know about API strips?
API identification products are test kits for identification of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and yeast. API strips give accurate identifications based on extensive databases and are standardized, easy-to-use test systems.