[Differentiation of nonfermenting gram-negative human-pathogenic rod bacteria from sewage water]

In the present paper the examination of the new microidentification-system API 20 NE for clinically important nonfermenters is reported. The origin of all strains tested was non-clinical (sewage, tap-water, food-stuff and other environmental sources). One hundred thirty four strains were examined simultaneously in the API 20 NE and by standard tests. One hundred twenty three strains, which included 23 species could be identified conformably. Out of 11 strains, not or misidentified in the API-system only 2 could be classified to species level by conventional means, the remainder were diagnosed to genus level only. Causes are discussed. Our data suggest that the API 20 NE is also a useful aid in routine diagnosis in environmental hygiene for clinically important nonfermenters. It allows a short-time-diagnosis with a high degree of specificity and reliability.