Detect microbial deoxyribonuclease enzymes, particularly from staphylococci, with Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ DNASE Agar (Dehydrated). A DNase (deoxyribonuclease) is any enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of phosphodiester linkages of DNA leading to its degradation. The organisms producing DNase enzymes in sufficient quantities to hydrolyze DNA will show clear zones around the colonies. The medium is mainly used in the identification of staphylococci but may also be used for the detection of DNase activity in other organisms.
Weckman & Catlin1 suggested that DNase activity could be used to identify pathogenic staphylococci after they had established a close correlation with coagulase production. Jeffries et al.2 incorporated DNA in the agar medium to provide a simple method of detecting DNase activity.
- Easily differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from Staphylococcus epidermidis and other Staphylococcus species due to the abundance of DNase production in Staphylococcus aureus. 2,3,4
- Helps in the differentiation and identification of non-pigmented Serratia marcescens (positive reaction) from Klebsiella-Enterobacter (negative reaction)5.
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Remel™ and Oxoid™ products are now part of the Thermo Scientific brand.
1. Weckman B. G. and Catlin B. W. (1957) Journal of Bacteriology 73. 747-753.
2. Jeffries C. D., Holtman D. F. and Guse D. G. (1957) Journal of Bacteriology 73. 590-591.
3. DiSalvo J. W. (1958) Med. Techns. Suppl. to U.S. Armed Forces Medical Journal 9. 191-196.
4. Blair E. B., Emerson J. S. and Tull A. H. (1967) American Journal of Clin. Path. 47. 30-39.
5. Schreir J. B. (1969) Amer. J. Clin. Path. 51. 711-716.
