Background
Oxidase is an enzyme produced by some bacteria for electron transport and nitrate metabolism. Detection of this enzyme in freshly grown cultures is useful in the identification of some microbial species.
All Neisseria spp. are Oxidase positive and most fermenting Gram negative rods are Oxidase negative with the exception of some Vibrio, Aeromonas, Pasteurella and Chromobacteriae.
Most non-fermenting Gram-negative rods are Oxidase positive.
The Oxidase test also aids in the identification of yeasts – delineating the genus Candida from Saccharomyces and Torulopsis.
The test involves smearing a portion of a freshly cultured colony onto a moistened strip and observing the development of a blue/black colour within 30 seconds for a positive reaction.
Material safety Data Sheet (En)
