Rapid Test Kit for E. coli is used for presumptive identification of E. coli on the basis of enzyme substrate reaction and indole test.
Enzyme substrate tests utilize hydrolysable substrates for detection of E. coli. When the enzyme technique is used, E. coli are defined as bacteria giving a positive total coliform response in possessing D-galactosidase, which cleaves a chromogenic substrate. Indole test, alone, is not an adequate screen for E. coli, since there are atleast 52 species of Gram-negative bacilli that grow on MacConkey media, are indole positive and ferment lactose. These include K. oxytoca, Citrobacter freundii, Serratia odorifera, and Aeromonas hydrophila. The enzyme-substrate test therefore, in conjunction with Indole test can be used as a rapid screening test to assist in identification of E. coli.
Reagent:
10 vials containing 1 mL medium each for galactosidase activity and indole test.
