- #1
vicki
- 7
- 0
please help, how to identify an unknown microbe? 
How to identify an unknown microbe?
- Thread starter vicki
- Start date
In summary, if you have a mixed culture, tissue or environmental sample, streak for isolation of rich non specific media. Use the appropriate temperature. For a tissue sample from a mammal, grow it at 37C. For an environmental sample, grow it between 15C and 20C. Once you have isolated the organism, do a gram stain and also a wet mount. The gram stain will help you identify the morphology and how the organism colonies are formed. For example, a gram positive cocci that forms line will be a streptococcus. The wet mount will tell you if the organism is mobile or not. You also need to do a catalse and peroxidase test. This guide you to specific group specific stain. If
please help, how to identify an unknown microbe? - #2
Jikx
- 207
- 0
hmm..
host type
symptoms
gram stain (+ve, -ve)
morphology (size, shape, other fixtures)
proteins (western blot?)
dna (PCR)
and that's all i can remember.. never did do microbiology.
host type
symptoms
gram stain (+ve, -ve)
morphology (size, shape, other fixtures)
proteins (western blot?)
dna (PCR)
and that's all i can remember.. never did do microbiology.
- #3
iansmith
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 1,323
- 2
Are you starting from a mixed culture, tissue sample or sample from environment.
The type of culture will influence the steps required to identify your organism.
For mixed culture, tissue and environmental sample, first streak for isolation of rich non specific media. Use the temperature that is most appropriate. Tissue sample comming from a mammal should be grown at 37C whereas an environmental sample should be grown between 15C and 20C
Once you have isolated the organism you do a gram stain and also do a wet mount. The gram strain will help you identified the morphology of the organims and how it colonies are formed. For example, a gram positive cocci that forms line will be a streptococcus. The wet mount will tell you if your organism is mobile or not.
You also need to do catalse and peroxidase test. This guide you towards are more specific group.
You can then do more group specific stain such as spore stain.
Once you have this information look in the Bergey's. Bergey's is the bible of bacteriologist. It has all classified bacteria. If it is not a bacteria than use another taxonomy book.
Bergey's or the other taxonomy book will help you to find the biochemical test required to identify the organism.
You also do not have to carry the biochemical test. There is strips that are sold that included all the test for a specific organims.
http://www.biomerieux-usa.com/clinical/microbiology/api/apiproducts.htm
To support your identification and to have a more specific results, you will need do isolated DNA from you pure culture and amplifed and sequence the small ribosmal unit gene.
Strain/serotype/species specific test will also be required for additional and better classification. You will again referred to the bergey or any litterature that is specific for that organism.
The type of culture will influence the steps required to identify your organism.
For mixed culture, tissue and environmental sample, first streak for isolation of rich non specific media. Use the temperature that is most appropriate. Tissue sample comming from a mammal should be grown at 37C whereas an environmental sample should be grown between 15C and 20C
Once you have isolated the organism you do a gram stain and also do a wet mount. The gram strain will help you identified the morphology of the organims and how it colonies are formed. For example, a gram positive cocci that forms line will be a streptococcus. The wet mount will tell you if your organism is mobile or not.
You also need to do catalse and peroxidase test. This guide you towards are more specific group.
You can then do more group specific stain such as spore stain.
Once you have this information look in the Bergey's. Bergey's is the bible of bacteriologist. It has all classified bacteria. If it is not a bacteria than use another taxonomy book.
Bergey's or the other taxonomy book will help you to find the biochemical test required to identify the organism.
You also do not have to carry the biochemical test. There is strips that are sold that included all the test for a specific organims.
http://www.biomerieux-usa.com/clinical/microbiology/api/apiproducts.htm
To support your identification and to have a more specific results, you will need do isolated DNA from you pure culture and amplifed and sequence the small ribosmal unit gene.
Strain/serotype/species specific test will also be required for additional and better classification. You will again referred to the bergey or any litterature that is specific for that organism.
Last edited by a moderator:
1. How can I collect a sample for identifying an unknown microbe?
The first step in identifying an unknown microbe is to collect a sample. This can be done by swabbing a surface, collecting a water sample, or obtaining a tissue or fluid sample from an organism.
2. What are the different methods for identifying an unknown microbe?
There are several methods for identifying an unknown microbe, including biochemical tests, genetic sequencing, and microscopy. Each method has its own advantages and limitations.
3. How do I prepare a sample for identification?
Before identifying an unknown microbe, the sample must be prepared. This may involve culturing the microbe on a growth medium, staining it for microscopy, or extracting its DNA for genetic analysis.
4. What factors should I consider when identifying an unknown microbe?
When identifying an unknown microbe, it is important to consider factors such as its shape, size, color, growth requirements, and metabolic characteristics. These can help narrow down possible identification options.
5. What resources are available for identifying an unknown microbe?
There are various resources available for identifying an unknown microbe, including databases, reference books, and online tools. It is important to use multiple resources and compare results to ensure accurate identification.
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