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(right) γ-hemolysis (non-hemolytic, S. salivarius) Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. The ability of bacterial colonies to induce hemolysis when grown on blood agar is used to classify certain microorganisms. This is particularly useful in classifying streptococcal species. A substance that causes hemolysis is called a hemolysin.
When certain microorganisms are grown on blood agar, they may digest the blood in the medium, causing visible hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) on the agar plate. In colonial morphology, hemolysis is classified into three types: alpha-, beta-, and gamma-hemolysis. In alpha-hemolysis, the blood is partially digested, causing the area ...
Most strains are gamma-hemolytic (non-hemolytic), but some also display alpha-hemolytic activity on sheep blood agar plates. Strep bovis is a non-enterococci. [citation needed] Biochemical Tests mannitol salt: negative bile esculin: negative MR/VP: positive/negative nutrient gelatin: negative starch: positive DNase: negative [citation needed]
A red blood cell in a hypotonic solution, causing water to move into the cell A red blood cell in a hypertonic solution, causing water to move out of the cell. Hemolysis or haemolysis (/ h iː ˈ m ɒ l ɪ s ɪ s /), [1] also known by several other names, is the rupturing of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the release of their contents into surrounding fluid (e.g. blood plasma).
Alpha-hemolytic species cause oxidization of iron in hemoglobin molecules within red blood cells, giving it a greenish color on blood agar. Beta-hemolytic species cause complete rupture of red blood cells. On blood agar, this appears as wide areas clear of blood cells surrounding bacterial colonies. Gamma-hemolytic species cause no hemolysis. [11]
Beta hemolysis and gamma hemolysis on sheep blood agar by HansN / CC-BY-SA-3.0 Colonies surrounded by a transparent zone (black in this image) indicate β-hemolysis and represent inoculation with A. equuli subsp. haemolyticus.
The viridans streptococci are a large group of commensal streptococcal Gram-positive bacteria species that are α-hemolytic, producing a green coloration on blood agar plates (hence the name "viridans", from Latin "vĭrĭdis", green), although some species in this group are actually γ-hemolytic, meaning they produce no change on blood agar. [1]
Blood agar plates (BAPs) contain mammalian blood (usually sheep or horse), typically at a 5–10% concentration. BAPs are enriched, and differential media is used to isolate fastidious organisms and detect hemolytic activity. β-Hemolytic activity will show lysis and complete digestion of red blood cell contents surrounding a colony.