Method and components for the detection of yeasts and/or molds in a sample

A method for detecting viable yeasts and molds in a test sample, the method comprising:

• providing a medium containing operative amounts of carbohydrates, amino acids, trace elements, and salts necessary to support sustained reproductive growth of yeasts and molds;
• the media further comprising a substrate for an aminopeptidase with a signal moiety linked to the substrate, the signal moiety providing a detectable signal when cleaved by the aminopeptidase from viable yeasts and molds;
• and
• inoculating the medium with the sample to be tested for the presence of yeasts and/or molds;
• incubating the inoculated medium under conditions suitable for the growth of yeasts and molds wherein the substrate for an aminopeptidase with a signal moiety linked to the substrate will be acted upon by the aminopeptidase from viable yeasts and/or molds to produce a detectable signal;
• observing any detectable signal, whereby the presence of a detectable signal indicates the presence of yeasts and/or molds in the test sample.