Identification of an Unknown Microbial OrganismIntroductionThe purpose of identifying an unknown microbial agent is to enable the practice of the five “Is” of microbiology, namely inoculation, incubation, isolation, inspection and identification . . Providing an unknown microbial agent allows one to test the ability of one who possesses the above techniques and to accurately obtain the correct results and compare these results with the results of already established biochemical tests. (Forrest & Elliott, 2012, p.111) Tests used include Gram stain, smear plate and biochemical tests such as MR-VP, SIM, phenylalanine deaminase, Simmon's citrate along with carbohydrate fermentation and urease tests. Biochemical Tests of Significance Several biochemical tests have been performed, however only three will be discussed as these tests are the most significant in identifying the microbial agent. These tests helped narrow down the options that the results corresponded to. The tests, which will be further analyzed, are SIM, Simmon's citrate and urease test. First, the SIM test consisted of sulfur, indole, and motility; however, attention will be restricted to the Sulfur portion of the test only because it is the most significant. Two methods used in this part of the testing were direct sample testing and culture/isolation. Aseptic technique was used with caution during the SIM test. An inoculation needle was used to obtain the culture. Next, the needle was taken and stuck into the SIM holder. The medium was then stored at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 to 48 hours. (Forrest & Elliott, 2012, p.114) The Sulfur portion of the SIM test consisted of Thiosulfate reducta enzymes...... middle of paper ....../Academic Press. Cowan, M. K., & Talaro, K. P. (2009). Infectious diseases that affect the respiratory system. In Microbiology: A systems approach (3rd ed., pp. 645-54). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. Forrest, S., & Elliott, M. (2012). Laboratory 16 Identification: biochemical tests. In microbiology: an introduction to laboratory procedures and techniques (pp. 111-116). El Dorado, KS: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Forrest, S., & Elliott, M. (2012). Laboratory 20 Identification of an unknown bacterium/Published results. In microbiology: an introduction to laboratory procedures and techniques (pp. 135-138). El Dorado, KS: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.PODSCHUN, R., & ULLMANN, U. (1998). Klebsiella spp. as nosocomial pathogens: epidemiology, taxonomy, typing methods and pathogenicity factors. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88898/