Dalynn - Model RA45-250 -Reagents
Our Voges-Proskauer (VP) Reagents when used with MR-VP Broth can differentiate organisms based on their ability to produce the end product, acetylmethylcarbinol (acetoin). from glucose fermentation. This characteristic can be used to aid in the differentiation between genera
The Voges-Proskauer test is usually performed alongside the methyl red test since both tests are performed on cultures grown in MR-VP broth. Both tests are based on the detection of end products from the metabolism of glucose. Bacteria can metabolize glucose to the key intermediate, pyruvic acid. Numerous pathways can further metabolize pyruvic acid, and acetoin is produced as an end product from one of these pathways. The VP test is based on the detection of acetoin. and its detection is achieved by the addition of various reagents that lead to the formation of colored end products.
The VP test is credited to Voges and Proskauer since they were the first bacteriologists to observe a red color change on culture media after treatment with potassium hydroxide. Barritt was the first individual to use both potassium hydroxide and a-naphthol for the VP test; an alternate, rapid VP test was reported by Barry and Feeney using an additional reagent, creatine.