Question

write a short essay about The API 20E in your own words to understand its uses.

Answer 1

API20E represents a precise technique for identification of unknown microorganisms from a sample.

The technique includes strips with different tests or biochemical panel that helps in microbial identification.

API represents Analytical Profile Index, 20E represents the panel series with 20 strip tubes (20) with test to differentiate Enterobacteriaceae (represented by E).

In strip with 20 small chambers has media and reagents that help in differentiating members of Enteriobacteriaceae.

The tests include:

1. ONPG: Ortho-Nitrophenyl-Beat-Dgalactopyranose test to detect beta-galactosidase enzyme synthesis.
2. ADH: Arginine dihydrolase- for decarboxilation of arginine.
3. LDC: lysine decarboxylase- for decarboxylation of lysine.
4. ODC: ornithine decarboxylase- for decarboxylations of ornithine
5. CIT: citrate utilization
6. H2S: production of H2S
7. URE: Urease
8. TDA: Tryptophan deaminase
9. IND: Indole test
10. VP: Voges-Proskauer test
11. GEL: Gelatin liquefaction
12. GLU: Glucose fermentation
13. MAN: Mannose fermentation
14. INO: Innositol fermentation
15. SOR: Sorbitol fementation
16. RHA: rhamnose fementation
17. SAC: Sucrose fementation
18. MEL: Melibiose fementation
19. AMY: amygdalin fementation
20. Ara-Arabinose fermentation

The positive and negative reactions for these tests help to predict the bacteria or type of Enterobacteriaceae.