The CAMP test is a test to identify Group B β-streptococci based on their formation of a substance (CAMP factor) that enlarges the area of hemolysis

Hemolysis

Hemolysis —from the Greek meaning "blood" and meaning a "loosing", "setting free" or "releasing"—is the rupturing of erythrocytes and the release of their contents into surrounding fluid...

 formed by β-hemolysin

Hemolysin

Hemolysins are exotoxins produced by bacteria that cause lysis of red blood cells in vitro. Visualization of hemolysis of red blood cells in agar plates facilitates the categorization of some pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus...

 from Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive coccal bacterium. It is frequently found as part of the normal skin flora on the skin and nasal passages. It is estimated that 20% of the human population are long-term carriers of S. aureus. S. aureus is the most common species of...

. It is frequently used to identify Listeria spp.

CAMP factor

Although usually used to identify group "B", there is some evidence that the CAMP factor gene is present in several groups of streptococci, including group "A".

A similar factor has been identified in Bartonella henselae

Bartonella henselae

Bartonella henselae, formerly Rochalimæa, is a proteobacterium that can cause bacteremia, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, and peliosis hepatis. It is also the causative agent of cat-scratch disease which, as the name suggests, occurs after a cat bite or scratch...

.

Uses

It can be used to identify Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae is a beta-hemolytic Gram-positive streptococcus.- Identification :The CAMP test is an important test for identification...

. Though not strongly beta-hemolytic on its own, it presents with a wedge-shape in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive coccal bacterium. It is frequently found as part of the normal skin flora on the skin and nasal passages. It is estimated that 20% of the human population are long-term carriers of S. aureus. S. aureus is the most common species of...

.

History

It 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 name has no relationship to Cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate is a second messenger important in many biological processes...

(cAMP).