A rapid multistrips tests for determination of the enzyme profile in enterobacteria

A simple test for the detection of bacterial enzymes has been developed using paper strip impregnated with different chromogenic substrates. The test was applied to 145 strains belonging to various species of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Positive reactions were revealed after four hours of incubation at 35 degrees C by the formation of a yellow colour indicating released nitrophenol or nitranilide where a loopful of bacteria had been placed. The results of the multistrips test were in agreement with those obtained by previously described methods for the detection of beta-galactosidase, beta-xylosidase, beta-glucuronidase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and phenylalanine ammonialyase. The suitability of the test for rapid determination of the enzyme profile in enterobacteria is discussed.