Which organism is identified using the urease test for ammonia production?

The urease test is specifically designed to detect the ability of an organism to produce the enzyme urease, which hydrolyzes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This process increases the pH of the surrounding medium, leading to a color change in the test indicator.

Proteus vulgaris is well-known for its strong urease production. When grown in a medium that contains urea, it will break down urea, resulting in the production of ammonia. This causes a noticeable alkaline reaction characterized by a color change in the pH indicator used in the test, usually from yellow to pink. This characteristic is a distinguishing feature of Proteus vulgaris and helps differentiate it from other organisms in the Enterobacteriaceae family, which may or may not exhibit urease activity.

Klebsiella spp. also produces urease, but to a lesser extent compared to Proteus vulgaris, and not all species within Klebsiella are urease-positive. Escherichia coli is generally urease-negative, making it unsuitable for identification via this test. Salmonella spp. is typically urease-negative as well, which sets it apart from urease-producing organisms. This distinctive aspect of Proteus vulgaris highlights its clinical significance and utility in microbi