Factors Influencing the Reduction of Nitrates and Nitrites by Bacteria in Semisolid Media

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Abstract
Examination of 600 bacterial cultures indicated that many reduce nitrites more rapidly than nitrates, resulting in a negative reaction for nitrites when applying the conventional test for nitrate reduction. This was particularly true in many of the Brucella and Salmonella groups, and has caused them to be fallaciously reported by some as non-reducers. A medium made semisolid with 0.2-0.3% agar was superior to either liquid or solid media for the test. O/R potential of medium influences reduction of nitrates and nitrites by microorganisms much more than does variation in nutrients. It is recommended that use of semisolid media and the nitrite-reduction test be included on the "Descriptive Chart for the Characterization of Bacteria.".

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