Evaluation of rapid methods for differentiation of Bifidobacterium species

R oy , D. & W ard , P. 1990. Evaluation of rapid methods for differentiation of Bifidobacterium species. Journal of Applied Bacteriology 69 , 739–749.
The fermentation patterns of 20 Bifidobacterium strains were determined by two methods: a carbohydrate utilization test, based on the production of acid from a given range of sugars in modified MRS broth (micromethod), and a gas chromato-graphic (GC) analysis of fermented modified MRS broth. The micromethod provides a qualitative fermentation pattern whereas the GC method gives a quantitative evaluation of carbohydrate utilization. The micromethod and GC analysis can be applied for the differentiation of Bifidobacterium strains used in fermented milks.