Principle of catalase test: principle, reagent, procedure, antibody

Catalase test is important for identification of varius bacteria specially staphylococcus aureus in microbiology.

Here we learn about principle of catalase test, procedure and the reagents.

Catalase test Procedure

1. First of all, add 2 to 3 ml hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) solution in the test tube.
2. In the next step, take the bacteria colony from culture media with a glass rod or wooden rod. Mix this colony in the test tube having hydrogen peroxide solution.
3. Look into the solution for bubbling. It shows the synthesis of oxygen (O₂).

Principle of catalase test

Catalase synthesized by some bacteria acts as a catalyst in the breakdown of Hydrogen peroxide (3% H₂O₂) results in the production of Oxygen gas (O₂) and water (H₂O).

Catalase test reagent

3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) use as catalase reagent.

Catalase positive bacteria list

Staphylococcus species produced oxygen, and they are called as catalase positive bacteria. Here is the list of catalase positive bacteria.

Catalase negative bacteria list

Streptococcus species bacteria don’t produce oxygen while reacting with hydrogen peroxide. Therefore they are called catalase-negative bacteria.

Quality control for catalase test

Always run known positive and negative control with test batch.