Which biochemical test result is characteristic of Yersinia enterocolitica?

Which biochemical test result is characteristic of Yersinia enterocolitica?

• A. Lactose fermentation
• B. Urease positive
• C. Indole positive
• D. Oxidase negative

Answer: (B)

Urease production is a hallmark biochemical trait used to identify Yersinia enterocolitica. The urease enzyme breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, raising the medium’s pH. In a urease test, this alkalinization shows up as a positive result, guiding you toward Y. enterocolitica in the typical panel of enteric bacteria. This trait helps distinguish it from many other non-lactose–fermenting enterics that are urease negative, making urease positivity a particularly useful clue in confirming this organism.

Urease production is a hallmark biochemical trait used to identify Yersinia enterocolitica. The urease enzyme breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, raising the medium’s pH. In a urease test, this alkalinization shows up as a positive result, guiding you toward Y. enterocolitica in the typical panel of enteric bacteria. This trait helps distinguish it from many other non-lactose–fermenting enterics that are urease negative, making urease positivity a particularly useful clue in confirming this organism.