The definitive identification of C. septicum can be made using a profile of biochemical reactions, as contained in the micromethod strip in the image. (This qualitative micromethod panel test employs conventional and chromogenic substrates to identify medically essential anaerobes.) The upper set of tubules are reactions before the addition of reagents; the bottom set are reactions after reagents are added.
The upper set of letter codes is used to read the reactions before the addition of reagents; the lower set of labels indicates the tests to read following the addition of reagents.
- Of all the reactions included, only ONPG and NAG in the upper set are positive.
- The biotype number derived from this profile of reactions, 014000, codes for Clostridium septicum, thus confirming the identification.
