Simple amidase test for identification of mycobacteria.

A modified amidase test for differentiation of mycobacteria is described. A total of 224 atypical mycobacteria, 154 Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and 26 M. bovis strains were classified by this procedure. Of the 404 strains of various species studied, 400 exhibited an amidase spectrum identical to the established pattern. The simplicity of this method may promote its application in routine examinations.