Indole Test- Principle, Reagents, Procedure, Result Interpretation and Limitations

By Prof Moses Joloba Introduction The indole test is a biochemical test performed on bacterial species to determine the ability of the organism to convert tryptophan into indole. This division is performed by a chain of a number of different intracellular enzymes, a system generally referred to as “tryptophanase.” Indole is generated by reductive deamination from tryptophan via the intermediate molecule indolepyruvic acid. Tryptophanase catalyzes the deamination … Read more

Gram Staining: Objective, Principle, Experiment And Result

By Prof Moses Joloba Introduction Gram staining is the most important differential staining method used in microbiology. Gram stain or Gram staining, also called Gram’s method, is a method of staining used to distinguish and classify bacterial species into two large groups: gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. The name comes from the Danish bacteriologist Hans Christian Gram, who developed the technique. 1) Gram-positive Bacteria: … Read more

Capsule Staining: Objective, Principle, Experiment And Results (With Diagram)

By Prof Moses Joloba Objective The Objective of capsule staining is to observe bacterial capsule by distinguishing capsular material from the bacteria cell.In some bacteria, the cell wall is surrounded by a viscous cell envelope called ‘capsule’. It is made of polysaccharide, glycoprotein or polypeptide.When the capsule is too thin to be observed under light … Read more

30 Differences between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus

By Prof Mariam Mirambo Elements Of Comparison Staphylococcus Streptococcus Cellular Arrangement Spherical cells in clusters (grape like clusters). Spherical or ovoid cells in chains or pairs. Fission/Division Irregular division in all three planes. Division in one linear direction. Catalase Test Positive (Presence of catalase enzyme) Negative Halotolerance Halotolerant. Can tolerate upto 8% salt concentration. Inhibited … Read more

Differences Between Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

By Prof Mariam Mirambo Gram Positive Bacteria Gram-positive bacteria are bacteria with thick cell walls. In a Gram stain test, these organisms yield a positive result. The test, which involves a chemical dye, stains the bacterium’s cell wall purple. Gram-positive bacteria take up the crystal violet stain used in the test, and then appear to be purple-coloured when seen through … Read more

50 Differences between Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum

By Prof Mariam Mirambo Elements Of Comparison Plasmodium vivax Plasmodium falciparum Causes Benign tertian malaria Malignant tertian malaria Prevalence Tropics, Africa (rare in West Africa), Middle East, Asia, Central and South America. It is the most common geographically widespread species of Plasmodium causing malaria in human beings. Predominant species, worldwide tropics, but especially sub-Saharan Africa. Inversion Of … Read more

Biochemical Test of Acinetobacter baumannii

Reviewed By: Prof Mariam Mirambo Acinetobacter baumannii is a type of gram-negative bacteria that has emerged as a significant nosocomial (hospital-acquired) pathogen, particularly affecting individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those in intensive care units (ICUs). It is known for its ability to survive in harsh environments and its resistance to many commonly used … Read more