In the CAMP test, a positive result indicates presumptive identification of which organism?

In the CAMP test, a positive result indicates presumptive identification of which organism?

• A. S. bovis
• B. S. agalactiae
• C. S. pyogenes
• D. S. equinus

Answer: (B)

The CAMP test reveals a positive result when a bacterium produces a factor that enhances the hemolysis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus agalactiae, the group B Streptococcus, makes a CAMP factor that interacts with S. aureus beta-lysin to produce a distinctive arrowhead-shaped zone of increased hemolysis where the two organisms meet on blood agar. This characteristic appearance serves as a presumptive identification of S. agalactiae. Other streptococci listed do not produce this CAMP factor, so they typically show no such enhanced hemolysis. For confirmation, additional tests or methods can be used, but a positive CAMP test points to Streptococcus agalactiae.

The CAMP test reveals a positive result when a bacterium produces a factor that enhances the hemolysis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus agalactiae, the group B Streptococcus, makes a CAMP factor that interacts with S. aureus beta-lysin to produce a distinctive arrowhead-shaped zone of increased hemolysis where the two organisms meet on blood agar. This characteristic appearance serves as a presumptive identification of S. agalactiae. Other streptococci listed do not produce this CAMP factor, so they typically show no such enhanced hemolysis. For confirmation, additional tests or methods can be used, but a positive CAMP test points to Streptococcus agalactiae.