Introduction
Providencia stuartii is a Gram-negative bacterium that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a common cause of urinary tract infections, wound infections, and bacteremia in hospitalized patients. Identification of Providencia stuartii relies on performing various biochemical tests. In this article, we will discuss the different biochemical tests used to identify Providencia stuartii.
Indole Test
The indole test is a biochemical test used to determine the ability of an organism to produce indole from tryptophan. Providencia stuartii is negative for indole production.
Methyl Red Test
The methyl red test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that produce stable acids from glucose fermentation. Providencia stuartii is negative for the methyl red test.
Voges-Proskauer Test
The Voges-Proskauer test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that produce acetoin from glucose fermentation. Providencia stuartii is negative for the Voges-Proskauer test.
Citrate Test
The citrate test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that can utilize citrate as the sole carbon source. Providencia stuartii is negative for the citrate test.
Urease Test
The urease test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that can hydrolyze urea to produce ammonia. Providencia stuartii is negative for the urease test.
Triple Sugar Iron Agar Test
The Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSI) test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that can ferment glucose, lactose, and sucrose, and produce hydrogen sulfide. Providencia stuartii produces an alkaline slant and an acid butt without gas production and hydrogen sulfide.
Simmons Citrate Agar Test
The Simmons citrate agar test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that can utilize citrate as the sole carbon source. Providencia stuartii is negative for the Simmons citrate agar test.
Motility Test
The motility test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that are motile. Providencia stuartii is motile.
Oxidase Test
The oxidase test is a differential test used to identify bacteria that produce the enzyme cytochrome oxidase. Providencia stuartii is negative for the oxidase test.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biochemical tests are essential for the identification of Providencia stuartii. Negative results for indole, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, citrate, urease, and Simmons citrate agar tests, and positive results for motility and TSI agar tests can help in the identification of Providencia stuartii. It is crucial to perform these tests correctly to ensure accurate identification of the organism.