Identifying an Unknown Microbial Organism

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Identifying an Unknown Microbial Organism

Introduction

The purpose of identifying an unknown microbial agent is so that the five “I’s” of Microbiology, which are, Inoculation, Incubation, Isolation, Inspection and Identification can be practiced. Providing an unknown microbial agent tests the ability of ones skill of the above techniques and to accurately obtain the correct results and compare these results to biochemical test results that are already established. (Forrest & Elliott, 2012, p.111)

Test used include the Gram Stain, the Streak Plate and Biochemical test such as the MR-VP, SIM, Phenylalanine Deaminase, Simmon’s Citrate along with the Carbohydrate Fermentation and Urease tests.

Biochemical Test of Importance

Several Biochemical test were performed, however, only three will be three will be discussed due to these test being the most significant in the identification of the microbial agent. These test helped narrow down the options of which organism the results matched with. The tests, which will be further dissected, are the SIM, Simmon’s Citrate and the Urease tests.

First, the SIM test consisted of Sulfur, Indole, and Motility; however, the focus will be narrowed to the Sulfur portion of the test only due to it being the most significant. Two methods used in this portion of testing were direct testing on the specimen and culture/Isolation. During the SIM testing, aseptic technique was cautiously used. An inoculation needle was used to obtain culture. Afterwards, the needle was taken and stabbed into the SIM media. The media was then stored at 37 degrees Celsius for 24-48 hours. (Forrest & Elliott, 2012, p.114)

The Sulfur portion of the SIM test consisted of the enzymes Thiosulfate reducta...

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.../Academic Press.

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