Identification of Corynebacterium jeikeium and Corynebacterium CDC group D2 with the API 20 Strep system

A total of 170 strains of Corynebacterium jeikeium and 23 strains of Corynebacterium group D2 were examined in three British laboratories using the API 20 Strep identification system and three supplementary tests (catalase production, urease production and nitrate reduction). The isolates were collected from clinical specimens in various laboratories over a three-year period. The two species produced consistent reactions in these tests after 24 h. Two tests were highly discriminatory, with positive reactions for ribose fermentation seen for Corynebacterium jeikeium while urease production was observed with Corynebacterium group D2. This method allows routine clinical laboratories to rapidly identify these emerging pathogens.