Brooke Martin
The CAMP test is a biochemical test used to identify group B beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) based on their formation of a substance, the CAMP factor, that enlarges the area of hemolysis formed by the beta-hemolysin elaborated from Staphylococcus aureus. The CAMP test can be performed via the standard test on blood agar plates or the disk method. The test is usually done by streaking S. aureus on the blood agar in a straight line across the center of the plate, then streaking the unknown microorganism in the same manner perpendicular to the staphylococcus. The plate is then incubated overnight at 35°C in a CO2 incubator. Some Group A Streptococcal will be CAMP test positive if the plate is incubated in a candle jar in an atmosphere or under anaerobic conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To identify Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) and distinguish it from other beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species |
| Test Method | Streak a beta-lysin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus down the center of a sheep blood agar plate. Streak the test organism across the plate perpendicular to the aureus streak. Incubate at 35-37°C in ambient air for 18-24 hours. |
| Positive Result | Enhanced hemolysis indicated by an arrowhead-shaped zone of beta-hemolysis at the junction of the two organisms |
| Negative Result | No enhancement of hemolysis |
| Incubation | Incubate the plate at 35-37°C in ambient air for 18-24 hours. Avoid extended incubation times or elevated temperatures to prevent false-positive results. |
| Test Variations | Standard test on blood agar plates, disk method, reverse CAMP test |
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What You'll Learn
- The CAMP test is used to identify Streptococcus agalactiae
- The test distinguishes Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci
- A positive CAMP reaction is indicated by enhanced hemolysis
- The test can be performed on blood agar plates or via the disk method
- The CAMP test can also be used to identify Listeria monocytogenes
The CAMP test is used to identify Streptococcus agalactiae
The test detects the presence of a CAMP factor, a heat-stable protein produced by Group B Streptococci, which causes enhanced lysis of red blood cells. This is done by streaking the group B streptococci perpendicular to a streak of Staphylococcus aureus on a sheep blood agar plate. The test is then incubated at 35-37°C in ambient air for 18-24 hours. A positive result is indicated by an arrowhead-shaped zone of enhanced hemolysis at the junction of the two organisms.
The CAMP test is useful for the presumptive identification of Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci and has a 98% sensitivity for detecting Streptococcus agalactiae. However, it is important to note that some Group A Streptococcal may also yield a positive CAMP test if the plate is incubated in a candle jar or under anaerobic conditions. Therefore, ambient air incubation is recommended to avoid false-positive results.
The reverse CAMP test is another variation that uses a similar principle to identify Clostridium perfringens. This test detects the synergistic effect of the CAMP factor produced by Streptococcus agalactiae and the alpha toxin produced by Clostridium perfringens, resulting in a "bow tie"-shaped zone of hemolysis.
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The test distinguishes Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci
The CAMP test is used to identify Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae). It is based on the formation of a substance, the CAMP factor, that enlarges the area of hemolysis formed by the β-hemolysin elaborated from Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus agalactiae is also known as Group B Streptococcus or GBS and is a gram-positive coccus (round bacterium) with a tendency to form chains. It is a beta-hemolytic, catalase-negative, and facultative anaerobe.
The CAMP test is important for the identification of GBS, which is a major cause of mastitis (an infection of the udder) in dairy cattle and an important source of economic loss for the dairy industry. GBS also causes severe epidemics in farmed fish, leading to sepsis and external and internal hemorrhages. In humans, GBS is a prime cause of puerperal sepsis and neonatal meningitis, commonly isolated from the female genital tract.
The test involves streaking a beta-lysin-producing strain of aureus down the center of a sheep blood agar plate. The streptococcal streak should be 3 to 4 cm long. The test organisms are then streaked across the plate perpendicular to the aureus streak, ensuring they do not intersect. Multiple organisms can be tested on a single plate. The plate is then incubated at 35°-37°C in ambient air for 18-24 hours.
A positive CAMP test result is indicated by an enhanced hemolysis within 30 minutes to 1 hour of adding a drop of CAMP factor reagent. This appears as an arrowhead zone of beta-hemolysis at the junction of the two organisms. A negative result shows no enhancement of hemolysis. It is important to note that extended incubation times or elevated incubation temperatures may give false-positive results.
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A positive CAMP reaction is indicated by enhanced hemolysis
The CAMP test, or the Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen test, is used to identify group B beta-hemolytic streptococci, Streptococcus agalactiae. The test is based on the formation of a substance called the CAMP factor, which enlarges the area of hemolysis formed by the beta-hemolysin elaborated from Staphylococcus aureus.
The CAMP test procedure involves streaking a beta-lysin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus down the center of a sheep blood agar plate. The test organism is then streaked perpendicular to the S. aureus streak, creating a cross-streak pattern. The plate is incubated at 35-37 degrees Celsius in ambient air for 18-24 hours. After incubation, the plate is examined for a zone of enhanced hemolysis next to the colony. If the reaction is negative, the plate can be re-incubated for an additional 30 minutes to observe any changes.
It is important to note that some Group A Streptococcal strains may yield a positive CAMP test if the plate is incubated in a candle jar, in a CO2 atmosphere, or under anaerobic conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to use ambient air incubation to avoid false-positive results. Additionally, extended incubation times or elevated temperatures may also lead to false positives.
The CAMP test is a valuable tool for the identification of Streptococcus agalactiae and Listeria monocytogenes, contributing to the prompt and reliable identification of these microorganisms.
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The test can be performed on blood agar plates or via the disk method
The CAMP test is used for the presumptive identification of Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci, specifically Streptococcus agalactiae. The test is performed to distinguish the species Streptococcus agalactiae from other species of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus.
The CAMP test can be performed either on blood agar plates or via the disk method. Blood agar plates are a type of agar plate that contains mammalian blood, usually sheep or horse blood, at a concentration of 5-10%.
To perform the test on a blood agar plate, a beta-hemolysin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus is streaked in a straight line down the center of the plate. The unknown microorganism is then streaked perpendicular to the Staphylococcus aureus streak, without touching it. The plate is then incubated overnight at 35°C in a CO2 incubator.
The disk method, on the other hand, involves placing a disk containing the test organism onto a warmed blood agar plate. The microorganism is streaked about 2 to 3 mm from the edge of the disk, and the plate is then incubated overnight at 35°C in a CO2 incubator.
Both methods can be used to identify S. agalactiae and other Gram-positive rods, including Listeria monocytogenes. A positive CAMP reaction is indicated by enhanced hemolysis within 30 minutes to 1 hour of adding a drop of CAMP factor reagent. This enhanced hemolysis appears as an arrowhead-shaped zone of beta-hemolysis at the junction of the two organisms.
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The CAMP test can also be used to identify Listeria monocytogenes
The CAMP test is primarily used to identify group B beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae). However, it can also be used to identify Listeria monocytogenes, which produces a positive CAMP reaction. This test involves streaking a beta-lysin-producing strain of aureus down the centre of a sheep blood agar plate, with the test organism streaked perpendicular to it.
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic species of the genus Listeria, which is placed in the Clostridium sub-branch of Gram-positive bacteria. It is one of the two species of the genus that is generally considered pathogenic in humans, causing listeriosis. The disease usually affects individuals with underlying conditions affecting the immune system, such as cancer or AIDS, as well as other susceptible individuals like the elderly, pregnant women, newborns or foetuses.
The CAMP test is useful for differentiating between hemolytic Listeria species: L. monocytogenes, L. ivanovii and L. seeligeri. This is done by streaking a beta-hemolysin-producing Staphylococcus aureus strain and Rhodococcus equi parallel to each other on a blood agar plate. Suspect cultures are streaked at right angles between the two streaks without touching them. Hemolysis by L. monocytogenes and, to a lesser degree, L. seeligeri is enhanced near S. aureus, while hemolysis by L. ivanovii is enhanced near the R. equi streak.
However, it is important to note that the CAMP test may not always correctly differentiate between L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii. Therefore, a variation of the original CAMP test using commercially available beta-lysin discs is recommended in the USDA method. Additionally, false-positive results may occur with extended incubation times or elevated incubation temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
The CAMP test is used to identify group B beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae).
Some Group A Streptococcal will be CAMP test positive if the test plate is incubated in a candle jar, in a CO2 atmosphere, or under anaerobic conditions.
Ambient air incubation should be used instead of incubating the test plate in a candle jar.
