Urease activity of Brucella species

Examination of the urease activity of 604 brucella strains showed a limited correlation with species. Most strains of B canis, B neotomae and B suis gave a positive urease reaction within 15 minutes, although some exceptions were noted. A substantial proportion of strains of B abortus and B melitensis also hydrolysed urea as rapidly as most B suis strains. Although most B ovis strains were negative to the urease test, 28.9 per cent of those examined gave positive reactions.