A positive Voges-Proskauer reaction is characteristic of which organism?

Study for your Microbiology exam with engaging quizzes and comprehensive questions. Review essential concepts in Clinical Laboratory Science to ensure your success. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A positive Voges-Proskauer reaction is characteristic of which organism?

Explanation:
Voges-Proskauer detects acetoin produced during glucose fermentation through the 2,3-butanediol pathway. A positive result appears as a red color after adding the specific reagents, indicating acetoin is present. Enterobacter aerogenes commonly uses the 2,3-butanediol pathway and thus yields acetoin, giving a positive VP test. Escherichia coli typically ferments to mixed acids with little acetoin, so VP is negative. Proteus vulgaris and Providencia rettgeri also do not form acetoin, so they are VP negative. Therefore, the positive VP reaction is characteristic of Enterobacter aerogenes.

Voges-Proskauer detects acetoin produced during glucose fermentation through the 2,3-butanediol pathway. A positive result appears as a red color after adding the specific reagents, indicating acetoin is present. Enterobacter aerogenes commonly uses the 2,3-butanediol pathway and thus yields acetoin, giving a positive VP test. Escherichia coli typically ferments to mixed acids with little acetoin, so VP is negative. Proteus vulgaris and Providencia rettgeri also do not form acetoin, so they are VP negative. Therefore, the positive VP reaction is characteristic of Enterobacter aerogenes.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy