A new, simple, rapid test for detection of DNase activity of microorganisms: DNase Tube test.

The DNase test is a simple, economical method that has traditionally been used as a supplemental test to identify pathogenic Staphylococcus. This test also aids in the differentiation of closely-related genera within the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia division of Enterobacteriaceae and several other pathogens, including screening of C. diphtheriae. Currently DNase activity of microorganisms was tested using DNase agar plate methods. These tests have some drawbacks including the necessity of the extensive time to see the results of DNase activity of bacteria. In here, we developed a new method which is simple, rapid, inexpensive and applicable to examine DNase activity of any bacteria. In this method, simply, bacteria is added to the broth medium containing DNA and followed for the DNA degradation caused by the DNase of bacteria by running in agarose gel. This method we called DNase Tube test showed DNA degradation as fast as in half an hour depending on the DNase activity of the bacteria.