A stool culture reveals an oxidase-positive, non-lactose fermenting colony. A suspension of the organism was made in sterile distilled water and used to inoculate a commercial identification strip that did not demonstrate any positive reactions after incubation. The microbiologist then set up traditional biochemical tube tests and the results were still negative. What is the next step in the identification process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The organism is oxidase-positive and non-lactose fermenting, which suggests that it may be a member of the family Vibrionaceae. Halophiles are a group of bacteria that can tolerate high salt concentrations, and many members of the Vibrionaceae are halophilic. Therefore, performing halotolerance testing would be the next logical step in the identification process.

A Stool Culture Reveals an Oxidase-Positive, Non-Lactose Fermenting Colony