Kataláznegatív

Kataláznegatív refers to a property of certain microorganisms, specifically bacteria, where they lack the enzyme catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Therefore, a kataláznegatív organism cannot break down hydrogen peroxide. This characteristic is often used in bacterial identification and classification in microbiology laboratories. When a sample of bacteria is mixed with hydrogen peroxide, a positive catalase test will result in bubbling due to the release of oxygen. Conversely, a negative catalase test, indicating a kataláznegatív organism, will show no such bubbling. This simple biochemical test helps differentiate between various bacterial species. For example, staphylococci are typically catalase-positive, while streptococci are generally catalase-negative. Understanding this enzymatic activity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of bacterial infections, as different bacterial groups may require different therapeutic approaches. The absence of catalase can also have implications for a bacterium's survival in environments where it might encounter oxidative stress.