Cellulitis of the arm: Laboratory Identification

Eikenella biochemicals

  • Although not performed that often, the following tests are useful in separating E. corrodens from other closely related members of the HACEK group:
  • KIA showing an alk/alk reaction; Glucose fermentation (-); Reduction of nitrates to nitrites (+); Production of indole (-); Ornithine decarboxylase (+)
  • The positive nitrate reduction reaction eliminates Cardiobacterium hominis, Kingella kingae and other Kingella species.
  • The positive ornithine decarboxylase reaction eliminates Kingella denitrificans (which also denitrifies nitrate to nitrogen gas, a reaction negative for E. corrodens).
  • Eikenella corrodens is asaccharolytic, whereas most other closely related species produce acid from one or more carbohydrates.

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