Evaluation of the API 20E system for the identification of gram-negative nonfermenters from animal origin

The API 20E system was evaluated on isolates from animals of aerobic nonfermentative and cytochrome oxidase positive Gram-negative rods. An accuracy of identification of 80% (214/268 isolates) was achieved for those organisms included in the 1976-1977 API profile index. Members of the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were identified with 100% accuracy. Organisms not included in the API profile gave either an unacceptable profile number or were incorrectly identified as Moraxella spp. When the inoculum size was increased there was better identification.