What is the Difference Between CAMP and Reverse CAMP Test?

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The CAMP test and the reverse CAMP test are two common laboratory tests used to detect pathological bacteria. Both tests use sheep blood agar as the medium, but they have different objectives and principles:

CAMP Test:

  • Objective: Identify group B β-hemolytic streptococci, such as Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus).
  • Principle: The CAMP test is based on the formation of a protein called CAMP factor by Streptococcus agalactiae, which enlarges the area of hemolysis in sheep blood agar medium formed by the β-hemolysin protein of Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Procedure: Streak Staphylococcus aureus down the center of a sheep blood agar plate, and streak the test organism across the plate perpendicular to the S. aureus streak. Incubate the blood agar plate at 37°C for overnight.
  • Results: A positive result indicates an arrowhead-shaped zone of enhanced beta-hemolysis at the juncture of the two streaks, while a negative result shows no enhancement of hemolysis.

Reverse CAMP Test:

  • Objective: Identify Clostridium perfringens using β-hemolytic streptococci.
  • Principle: The CAMP factor produced by S. agalactiae and the alpha toxin produced by C. perfringens act synergistically to produce enhanced hemolysis.
  • Procedure: Streak Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) down the center of a sheep blood agar plate, and streak the test organism, Clostridium sp., at a right angle to and within 1 to 2 mm of the S. agalactiae inoculum. Incubate the plate anaerobically to allow for the growth of anaerobic Clostridium perfringens.
  • Results: A positive result is shown by Clostridium perfringens, indicating enhanced hemolysis.

In summary, the main difference between the CAMP and reverse CAMP tests is that the CAMP test is used to identify group B streptococci like Streptococcus agalactiae, while the reverse CAMP test is used to identify Clostridium perfringens.

Comparative Table: CAMP vs Reverse CAMP Test

The CAMP test and Reverse CAMP test are laboratory methods used to identify specific bacterial pathogens. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two tests:

CAMP Test Reverse CAMP Test
Used to identify Group B β hemolytic streptococci, such as Streptococcus agalactiae Used to identify Clostridium perfringens using β-hemolytic activity
Detects the formation of a protein called CAMP factor by Streptococcus agalactiae Detects the synergistic relationship between S. agalactiae CAMP factor and Clostridium perfringens
Performed on sheep blood agar medium Performed on sheep blood agar medium
Test organism (Streptococcus agalactiae) is streaked across the plate perpendicular to the Staphylococcus aureus streak Test organism (Clostridium perfringens) is streaked perpendicular to the Streptococcus agalactiae streak
Positive result: Enhanced hemolysis at the junction of the streaks Positive result: "Arrowhead" or "bow-tie" zone of enhanced hemolysis between the growth of Clostridium perfringens and Group B Streptococcus

Both tests use sheep blood agar as the medium and are based on the synergistic relationship between specific bacterial strains. However, the CAMP test is used to identify Streptococcus agalactiae, while the Reverse CAMP test is used to identify Clostridium perfringens.