A rapid plate assay for the detection of acetamidase was developed. Aspergillus candidus was the best acetamidase producer (397.79 U/ml) among various Aspergillus spp. and Penicillum spp. screened. The organism produced inducible intracellular acetamidase which showed catabolite repression by glucose at concentrations greater than 0.7%. The enzyme was optimally active at 40degreesC and pH 5.0, and was stable in SDS up to a concentration of 10 mM. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.