Background
The hippurate hydrolysis test determines the ability of group B streptococci, as well as other bacteria to enzymatically hydrolze sodium hippurate.
In addition to group B streptococci this method can also be used to identify Gardnerella vaginalis and Campylobacter spp.
Hippuric acid is hydrolysed by the enzyme hippuricase to glycine and benzoic acid. Ninhydrin evokes a 5 step reaction beginning with the deamination of glycine to form hydrindantin, carbon dioxide and ammonia. A condensation reaction occurs with the hydrintantin, ammonia and residual Ninhydrin to produce the final intense blue/black coloured complex.
Material Safety Data Sheet (En)
