test used in microbiology to determine the camp factor forming capacity of hemolytic bacteria

1. CAMP TEST
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2. INTRODUCTION
• The CAMP test (Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson) is a test to identify group B β-
haemolytic streptococci(Streptococcus agalactiae)/Listeria species based on their
formation of a substance (CAMP factor) that enlarges the area
of haemolysis formed by the β-haemolysin elaborated from Staphylococcus aureus.
• S. agalactiae is the only beta-hemolytic Streptococcus which yields a positive CAMP
test.
• This test detects a diffusible, heat-stable, extracellular protein produced by Group B
Streptococcus that enhances the hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes by S. aureus .
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3. INTRODUCTION
• The CAMP factor acts synergistically with the beta hemolysin produced by S.
aureus to induce enhanced hemolysis of sheep or bovine RBCs but not
human, rabbit or horse RBCs.
• Although the test is usually used to identify group B streptococcus, there is
some evidence that the CAMP factor gene is present in several groups of
streptococci, including group A.
• Discovered in 1944.
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4. HISTORY
• CAMP is an acronym for "Christie–Atkins–Munch-Petersen", for the three
researchers who discovered the phenomenon.
• It is often incorrectly reported as the product of four people (counting Munch-
Petersen as two people).The true relationship (three people) is the reason for two en
dashes and then one hyphen in Christie–Atkins–Munch-Petersen.
• The name of the test bears no relationship to the name of the second
messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate(commonly referred to as cAMP).
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5. LANCEFIELD CLASSIFICATION
• Another important way in which the beta hemolytic streptococci were classified by Rebecca
Lancefield (1933) was based on the nature of a carbohydrate (C) antigen on the cell wall.
• Lancefield group A- S. pyogenes
• Lancefield group B- S. agalactiae
• Lancefield group C- S. dysgalactiae, S. equi
• Lancefield group D- Enterococcus faecalis, S. equinus and S. suis
• Lancefield group E- S. porcinis
• Lancefield group G- S. canis
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6. PROCEDURE
• In this test a known S. aureus is streaked in a straight line across the center of the sheep blood agar plate.
• Test inoculum is streaked in a straight line (2-3 cm in length) perpendicular to S. aureus streak but without
touching it.
• A known Group B Streptococcus may also be streaked similarly as a positive control.
• The plate is incubated at 37oC for 18-24 h.
• A positive test for CAMP factor appears as “arrowhead” hemolysis between the junction of growth of S.
aureus and Group B Streptococcus.
• There is no enhanced or “arrowhead” hemolysis if the test isolate is not Group B Streptococcus/ L.
monocytogenes.
• A similar test has been described for L. ivanovii, where an “arrowhead” hemolysis occurs appear between
streaks of L. ivanovii and R. equi.
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7. USES
• The CAMP test can be used to identify Streptococcus agalactiae. Though not
strongly beta-hemolytic on its own, group B strep presents with wedge-
shaped colonies in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus.
• It can also be used to identify Listeria monocytogenes which produces a positive
CAMP reaction.
• A similar factor has been identified in Bartonella henselae.
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