Decarboxylase Test Medium Base (Falkow)

Decarboxylase Test Medium Base (Falkow) is recommended for testing amino acid decarboxylase activity. It is recommended by BIS committee under the specifications IS:5887(Part V)-1976, Reaffirmed 2005 & IS: 5887 (Part 7)-1999, Reaffirmed 2005. This medium is used for differentiating bacteria on their ability to decarboxylate the amino acids. It is recommended by BIS for detection of dihydrolase and decarboxylase activity of Vibrio cholerae and other vibrios. Falkow emphasized and developed the lysine decarboxylase medium for differentiating Salmonellae and Shigellae by the valid and reliable results. This medium is recommended by BIS for detection of dihydrolase and decarboxylase activity of Vibrio cholerae and other vibrios. Bacteria which produce lysine or ornithine or arginine decarboxylase will produce alkaline products and increase the pH. The resulting reaction after 24-96 hours will indicate an alkaline reaction seen as purple colour for decarboxylase producing bacteria and an acid pH (yellow) by the bacteria not producing decarboxylase.