Optochin test

Zóna inhibice růstu bakterie v okolí disku s optochinem

This test is used to differentiate alpha -hemolytic (viridizing) streptococci. It allows us to distinguish Streptococcus pneumoniae from the group of oral streptococci.

Principle

• Optochin-sensitive bacteria do not grow around the disk, as the optochin diffuses from the disk into the environment, preventinf them from growing. An inhibition zone is created.

Result

• Streptococcus pneumoniae is sensitive to optochin – it does not grow around the disk.

Links

related articles

• Bacitracin test
• CAMP test
• Catalase test
• Plazma coagulase test

References

• ŠMÍROVÁ, Václava. Introduction to medical microbiology. - edition. -. 
• BEDNÁŘ, M, V FRAŇKOVÁ and J SCHINDLER, et al. Medical microbiology - bacteriology, virology, parasitology. 1st edition. Prague: Marvil, 1996. 558 pp.  ISBN 80-238-0297-6 .