Rapid identification of Escherichia coli from urine by using Fluorocult media

For rapid identification of Escherichia coli, we evaluated Fluorocult MacConkey Agar, Fluorocult Laurylsulfate Broth and Bactident E. coli, which are incorporating fluorogenic substrate, MUG (4-methylumbeliferyl-beta-D-Glucuronide) that specifically reacts with E. coli. To assess the specificity and sensitivity of Fluorocult MacConkey Agar and Laurylsulfate Broth, beta-D-glucuronidase; beta-GUR activities of 264 strains from urine including 72 of E. coli were investigated. For both media, sensitivity was 92% and specificity was 100%. When there was 10(8) c.f.u./ml of E. coli in urine specimen, incubation times required for positive fluorescence by Fluorocult MacConkey Agar, Laurylsulfate Broth, and Bactident E. coli were 8 h, 4 h and 15 min, respectively. Influence of drugs in urine to fluorescence reaction was not observed.