BANA test

The BANA test (referring to the enzymatic breakdown of [N-benzoyl-dL-arginine-2-napthylamide]) is used to determine the proteolytic activity of certain oral anaerobes that contribute to oral malodor. Some bacteria, e.g. Prophyromona gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Bacteroides forsythus (Red complex) produce waste products that are quite odiferous, and as a result contribute to bad breath.

When a sample of a patient's saliva that contains these bacteria is placed within the BANA testing compound, it causes the breakdown of the N-benzoyl enzyme. As a result of this biodegradation occurs, the test compound changes color, indicating a positive reaction.

Uses: Used to identify volatile Sulphur compounds in halitosis patients.

Further reading

• Andrade, José Alexandre de; Feres, Magda; Figueiredo, Luciene Cristina de; Salvador, Sérgio Luiz; Cortelli, Sheila Cavalca (June 2010). "The ability of the BANA test to detect different levels of P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia". Brazilian Oral Research. 24 (2): 224–230. doi:10.1590/S1806-83242010000200016.
• Loesche, W. J.; Lopatin, D. E.; Giordano, J.; Alcoforado, G.; Hujoel, P. (1 February 1992). "Comparison of the benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) test, DNA probes, and immunological reagents for ability to detect anaerobic periodontal infections due to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Bacteroides forsythus". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 30 (2): 427–433. doi:10.1128/JCM.30.2.427-433.1992. PMID 1311335.