The CAMP test identifies Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep) and Listeria species by their production of a substance called the CAMP factor. The CAMP factor acts synergistically with Staphylococcus aureus to induce enhanced hemolysis, appearing as an arrowhead shape. Discovered in 1944 by Christie, Atkins, Munch, and Petersen, the CAMP test remains an important method for identifying S. agalactiae and Listeria monocytogenes.

1. CAMP TEST
ABHIJITH SP
CVAS POOKODE

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 .
24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 2

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.
24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 3

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).
24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 4

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
24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 5

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.
24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 6

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.
24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 7

8. 24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 8

9. 24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 9

10. 24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 10

11. 24-09-2020ABHIJITH SP CVAS POOKODE 11

12. THANK YOU