Evaluation of the API 20E and Microbact 24E systems for the identification of Pseudomonas pseudomallei

Abstract

One hundred isolates of Pseudomonas pseudomallei were used to evaluate the API 20E and Microbact 24E rapid identification systems. The API 20E system identified 50% of the isolates using the revised 1979 Manual only, and 63% when referral was made to the computer centre. A higher identification rate (69 and 87%, respectively) was achieved with a longer incubation period of 96 h. The Microbact 24E system identified 84% of the isolates as Ps. pseudomallei using the revised 1983 Manual, and 100% when referral was made to the computer centre. The Microbact 24E system would appear to be a reliable system for the identification of Ps. pseudomallei.