Final answer:
Rapid identification kits for bacteria use tests such as the IMViC series for Enterobacteriaceae, fluorescent antibody techniques for rapid visualization, Staphaurex for coagulase activity in Staphylococcus aureus, and various cultural and staining methods as described in Bergey's Manual. DNA and antibody testing offer alternative rapid detection methods for bacterial contaminants in food, and FA tests are also used for identifying Yersinia pestis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rapid kits for the identification of bacteria under specific families utilize various techniques based on the bacteria's morphological and biochemical characteristics. For the family Enterobacteriaceae, which includes many Gram-negative bacteria in the GI tract, rapid test kits like the IMViC tests are used.
These include tests for Indole, Methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, and Citrate utilization. Additionally, the TSI (Triple Sugar Iron) and urease tests may be employed to further differentiate species within this family. Direct fluorescent antibody (FA) techniques offer rapid visualization of bacteria and can be applied to clinical samples, providing a fast and specific identification method.
Furthermore, commercial kits like Staphaurex test for coagulase activity in Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, Bergey's Manual suggests a more comprehensive approach, using various criteria including Gram stain reactions and biochemical assays to develop a bacterial fingerprint.
Culturing on differential and selective media remains a traditional method for detecting bacterial contaminants in food, but rapid methods involving DNA and antibody testing are also available. For identifying Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, staining techniques and direct fluorescent antibody tests serve as rapid, presumptive identification tools, while bacteriophage lysis stands as the confirmatory method in the US.