What is optochin?

Optochin, also known as ethylhydrocupreine hydrochloride, is a chemical compound that is commonly used in the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for causing pneumonia and other infections.

Optochin works by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae, making it a useful tool in the laboratory for differentiating this bacterium from other streptococcal species. This inhibition is due to the fact that optochin disrupts the bacterial cell's ability to transport essential nutrients into the cell.

Optochin susceptibility testing is used in microbiology laboratories to help diagnose infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. By testing the ability of a bacterial culture to grow in the presence of optochin, microbiologists can accurately identify the presence of this pathogen.

Overall, optochin is an important tool in the identification and characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by this pathogenic bacterium.