Identification of anaerobes on the Minitek System, compared to a conventional system

The Minitek Miniaturized System (BBL) was compared to a conventional method (V.P.I.) for the indentification of anaerobes. Anaerobiosis was achieved by using the GasPak system (BBL) and a glove box. Gram staining, colonial morphology, gas-liquid chromatography and biochemical reactions as detailed in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute anaerobe laboratory manual were compared to the biochemical results obtained on the Minitek system. A total of 32 anaerobes was used. The percentage of correlation was an overall 98.2%. Discrepancies were found mostly in the production of indole, the reduction of nitrate, and the hydrolysis of aesculin. A further 95 anaerobes were tested on these three reactions, and found to give an overall agreement of 92.9%. It was found necessary to use some additional tests as well as gas-liquid chromatography for definitive identification. The microsystem was also evaluated as to time saved, cost and ease of use.