DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF THE SEMIAUTOMATED 4-HOUR RAPID ID-32 STREP METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF STREPTOCOCCI AND MEMBERS OF RELATED GENERA

The rapid ID 32 Strep system (bioMerieux, La Balme les Grottes, France) is a new system which allows the identification in 4 h of most streptococci and members of related genera encountered in medical and veterinary bacteriology. Four hundred thirty-three isolates first identified by conventional methods and belonging to the genera Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Gemella, Leuconostoc, Erysipelothrix, Gardnerella, and Listeria were tested. Overall, rapid ID 32 Strep correctly identified 413 (95.3%) of the strains, with 109 (25.1%) requiring extra tests for complete identification. Sixteen strains (3.7%) were not identified, and 4 (1.0%) were misidentified. The rapid ED 32 Strep system is a suitable alternative for rapid identification of members of the genus Streptococcus and of related genera.