Index >> Water Microbiology >> IMViC Reaction

IMViC Reaction - E. coli and A. aerogenes are normally referred to as faecal and non-faecal contaminants of water, respectively, and are the most important organisms of the coliform group. Since they closely resemble each other in their morphological and cultural characteristics, biochemical tests, are, performed to differentiate them.

These tests are collectively designated as the IMViC reactions. The name was coined by Parr from the first letters of the four tests, namely Indole, Methyl red, Voges Proskauer, and Citrate. There are 16 possible combinations of positive and negative tests of these four characteristics. Most, of these combinations have been found, but the reactions of E. coli and A. aerogenes are commonly found. The remaining 14 types are usually designated as "intermediates".