The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting and identifying
microorganisms comprising a porous body having regions of differing pore
size, said regions being associated with different chromogens specific to
enzymes produced by microorganisms. Devices and methods according to the
present invention may be useful in the detection and identification of
food and water borne microorganisms as well as in the detection of
bacteria that may be associated with infection, such as urinary tract
infection.