What test is used to identify Mycobacterium species by splitting phenolphthalein?

The arylsulfatase test is specifically designed to identify certain Mycobacterium species based on their ability to hydrolyze arylsulfates, leading to the release of phenolphthalein. In this test, Mycobacterium species that possess arylsulfatase enzymes will break down the substrate, resulting in a color change that indicates a positive reaction. This enzymatic activity is a distinguishing characteristic of some Mycobacterium species, such as Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Understanding the role of the arylsulfatase test in diagnosing and differentiating between Mycobacterium species is essential in clinical microbiology. This test allows for the identification of species that might exhibit similar morphological and staining characteristics but differ in enzymatic activity.

While the other tests—catalase test, Tween 80 hydrolysis test, and nitrate reduction test—serve different purposes in characterizing bacteria, they do not specifically target the arylsulfatase enzyme activity required to identify certain Mycobacterium species. Hence, they would not provide the same direct identification through the cleavage of phenolphthalein as the arylsulfatase test does