Evaluation of four commercial biochemical test systems for identification of yeasts

The performance of four miniaturized biochemical test systems (API 20C Auxanogram, Mycotube, Oricult, and Uni-Yeast-Tek) for the identification of yeasts was evaluated using standard biochemical tests as reference. One hundred and twenty-six strains were used for the study. Mycotube identified 93% of the strains correctly, and Uni-Yeast-Tek 89%. API 20C Auxanogram and Oricult identified 77% and 82% of the strains respectively if the germ tube test was also included. Mycotube and Uni-Yeast-Tek in particular facilitate identification of yeasts in the routine clinical laboratory but recourse to microscopic examination of morphology and other supplementary tests may also be necessary.