Abstract

The use of the cytochrome oxidase test reagent, as a differential agent to study the pathogenic and saprophytic leptospires was studied. Growth of the leptospiral strains of the saprophytic group was almost involved in the conversion of colorless tetramethyl p-phenelene diamine dihydrochloride solution to dark brown color whereas pathogenic leptospirae strains showed reddish brown color. Saprophytic strains required 20-35 min for oxidation of cytochrome, however, pathogenic strains required more time, about 45 min for cytocrome oxidation. By this preliminary investigation, it is now possible to differentiate and report the saprophytic and parasitic strains based on the differential observation of the cytochrome oxidase test.

Key words: Pathogenic, leptopsiral strains, saprophytic strain, 1% oxidase reagent, rapid detection.