Afya Yangu

Principle, Procedure, Types, Results, Uses  What is Catalase Test? The catalase test is a biochemical test for aerobic organisms that detects the production of catalase enzyme in the organism. Catalase enzyme is a common enzyme that is found in all living beings that survive in oxygen and catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, releasing water and oxygen. Catalase is an essential enzyme in pathogenic organisms as it protects the organism from oxidative damage from the reactive oxygen species. The enzyme neutralizes the bactericidal effects of hydrogen peroxide, and its concentration in bacteria has been correlated with the pathogenicity of the organism. The catalase test has been extensively used over the years as it allows the differentiation of catalase-positive organisms like staphylococci from catalase-negative species like streptococci. The catalase test is useful in the presumptive characterization of most bacteria. Under the aerobic condition, 3% H2O2 is used, wher...