Rapid Detection of Bifidobacterium dentium by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of β-Glucuronide Substrates

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Abstract
Enzyme profiles and fermentation patterns of bifidobacteria were studied to determine phenotypic characteristics that allow the rapid detection of Bifidobacterium dentium and its differentiation from Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium angulatum, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum. Among 43 bifidobacterial strains tested, the production of β-glucuronidase was limited to six strains of B. dentium. The presence of B. dentium on a selective medium may be rapidly confirmed by the detection of β-glucuronidase activity. Columbia agar containing propionic acid was chosen to enumerate bifidobacteria previously cultivated in MRS medium. After 48 h of incubation, β-glucuronidase activity was determined by using a plate staining procedure. B. dentium strains gave positive results for β-glucuronidase activity after application of the overlay solution of β-glucuronide substrate. The β-glucuronidase assay is a rapid screening method for B. dentium. This method might be useful for selection of nonpathogenic strains or detection of fecal contamination from human origin.

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