Journal of Clinical Microbiology 1988-06-01

Rapid identification of Branhamella catarrhalis with 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate.

M Vaneechoutte, G Verschraegen, G Claeys, P Flamen

Index: J. Clin. Microbiol. 26 , 1227, (1988)

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Abstract

Branhamella catarrhalis can be distinguished from Neisseria spp. by the presence of butyrate esterase. This enzyme can be rapidly detected when 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate is used as the substrate. All B. catarrhalis strains tested gave a positive fluorescence reaction within 5 min, while Neisseria spp. remained negative, even after 18 h of incubation.