Rapid identification of Branhamella catarrhalis with 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate

J Clin Microbiol. 1988 Jun;26(6):1227-8. doi: 10.1128/jcm.26.6.1227-1228.1988.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / analysis*
  • Hymecromone* / analogs & derivatives*
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / enzymology
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / isolation & purification*
  • Neisseria / enzymology
  • Umbelliferones*

Substances

  • Umbelliferones
  • 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate
  • Hymecromone
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases
  • butyrylesterase