What does the 'C' in the IMViC test stand for?

The 'C' in the IMViC test stands for Citrate. The IMViC test is a series of biochemical tests used to differentiate members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. The Citrate test specifically determines an organism's ability to use citrate as its sole carbon source. This is important for identifying specific bacteria based on their metabolic capabilities.

In the Citrate test, the medium contains citrate as the carbon source and a pH indicator. If the organism can utilize citrate, it will grow and produce alkaline byproducts, which change the color of the medium, indicating a positive result. This characteristic is vital in distinguishing between certain species of bacteria, especially when diagnosing infections or understanding microbial ecology. Therefore, knowing the role of citrate in this test is crucial for microbiological analysis and classification.