Moraxella catarrhalis, once thought to be non-pathogenic, is now considered a possible agent in respiratory infections. Because this organism can be found at the same sites as pathogenic Neisseria spp. and shares some physiological and biochemical characteristics, it is important to have a screening test for differentiation of Moraxella catarrhalis(1,2). Used in conjunction with other tests, KEY Butyrate discs achieve this by demonstrating the enzymatic hydrolysis of bromo-chloro-indolyl butyrate which creates a blue reaction. Neisseria spp. do not hydrolyze this substrate and will remain colorless.

MSDS:

Butyrate discs are impregnated with a solution of brom-chloro-indolyl butyrate in an organic solvent then air dried. This product contains no material known at this time to be hazardous.

QUALITY CONTROL:

Butyrate discs should be tested with known positive and negative organisms as outlined in the Manual for Clinical Microbiology. All finished tests should be discarded in a manner appropriate for Store tightly closed bottle at room temperature in a dry location.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Butyrate discs are provided 25 or 50 per bottle. The test requires fresh 24 hour growth on media not available from KEY. Also required but not provided: Loop or stick for harvesting colonies, Pipettes, and Distilled water, neutral pH.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:

Fresh 24 hour growth from appropriate culture media (e.g. Thayer Martin or chocolate agar) gives best results.

1. Drop the disc onto a slide or into a small test tube. Add 1 drop of water.

2. Smear with a visible paste then incubate at room temperature for at least 5 minutes.

3. The development of a bright blue color indicates Moraxella catarrhalis. A negative test will be colorless.

LIMITATIONS:

This is only part of the overall indentification scheme for identification. Further tests are necessary for confirmation. Many strains of Moraxella as well as some other organisms are also butyrate esterase positive.

REFERENCESbiohazardous materials.

STORAGE:

1. Riou, J.Y. et al.:"hydrolyse de la tributyrine par les Neisseria et les Branhamella". (French). Ann.Microbiol. (Inst. Pastuer)132A, 159-169 (1981)

2. Riou, J.Y., Guibourdenche: "Branhamella catarrhalis. New Methods of bacterial diagnosis." Drugs 31, (suppl. 3) , 1-6 (1986)