Some bacterial pathogens are highly infectious via the respiratory route. Determining whether the pathogen can make an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide by the catalase method could be hazardous. How? Also include in your answer how the test is performed.

Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines. It's also found in the gut of some animals. Most of them are harmless, they aid keeping the digestive tract healthy. Though if contaminated food or fouled water is consumed, some strains can cause diarrhea .

Catalase enzymes, hydroperoxidase I (HPI) and HPII, catalyze the dismutation of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen but they play crucial roles in protecting cells against the effects of oxidative stress.

Some examples of pathogenic microorganisms which produces catalase include staph, bacillus, aureus,etc

Test Procedure:

With the aid of a loop or sterile wooden stick, a small amount of bacterial colony should transferred onto the surface of clean, dry glass slide .

A drop of 3% Hydrogen peroxide should be placed on to the slide and mixed.

A positive result is indicated by the rapid evolution of oxygen gas (within 5-10 seconds), which is evident by bubbling, while a negative produces no bubbles or only a few scattered bubbles.

The used slide should be disposed in the bio hazard glass disposal container.