Oxyrase cell-membrane preparations simplify cultivation of anaerobic bacteria

Clinical microbiologists have sought to isolate, identify and characterize anaerobic bacteria since the organisms and their role in wound infections w ere discovered. Methods to create all environment for anaerobic growth have not changed for 100 years. A new approach-the Oxyrase enzymatic method-pro motes anaerobiosis in the solid culture medium itself, allowing colonies to form without barriers associated with jars, bags, and chambers. In respons e to space restraints, increased workload and cast-cutting directives, we e valuated the Oxyrase method for the primary isolation of anaerobic bacteria from clinical wound specimens. By using plated media (containing the oxyge n-reducing substance) to isolate and identify anaerobic bacteria, a single technologist could report culture results more rapidly because all cultures -aerobic and anaerobic-for a patient could be processed simultaneously.