Microtests for rapid identification of Enterobacteriaceae. Four-hour tests by use of substrate-impregnated paper...

A number of microtests for the diagnosis of Enterobacteriaceae in 4 hours were developed. Composition of substrates and preparation of reaction wells are described. There were used substrate-impregnated paper discs affixed to microwell plates. Test results of 253 stock cultures of Enterobacteriaceae were correlated with results obtained by conventional tube methods. Twenty out of 23 microtests showed total correlations of more than 95%, and the remaining 3 tests 85-94%. The microtests are concluded to be economic and reliable alternatives to conventional tube methods and seem suitable for routine identification of Enterobacteriaceae.