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A 1.5 Hour Procedure for Identification of Enterococcus Species Directly from Blood Cultures
05:02

A 1.5 Hour Procedure for Identification of Enterococcus Species Directly from Blood Cultures

Published on: February 10, 2011

[Use of the Streptotest kit for identification of enterococci isolated from human clinical material]

P Svec1, I Sedlácek, E Pakrová

  • 1Ceská sbírka mikroorganismů, Prírodovĕdecká fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno.

Epidemiologie, Mikrobiologie, Imunologie : Casopis Spolecnosti Pro Epidemiologii a Mikrobiologii Ceske Lekarske Spolecnosti J.E. Purkyne
|December 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Enterococci are common bacteria, but their rising presence in clinical samples causes hospital-acquired infections. Supplementary tests significantly improve identification accuracy beyond standard kits, aiding in better patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Context:

  • Enterococci are part of normal human microflora and environmental microbiota.
  • Increasing isolation from clinical specimens highlights their role in nosocomial infections.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a commercial identification kit for enterococci.
  • To determine the most prevalent enterococcal species in human clinical samples.
  • To recommend methods for improving enterococcal identification rates.

Summary:

  • A study isolated 164 enterococcal strains from human clinical materials (urine, vaginal smears, wounds).
  • The commercial STREPTOtest kit achieved only 71.3% identification success.
  • Incorporating supplementary tests and the TNW program improved identification to 98.8%.
  • Enterococcus faecalis (94.5%) was the dominant species, followed by Enterococcus faecium (3%).

Impact:

  • Enhanced diagnostic protocols can improve the accurate identification of enterococci.
  • Better identification aids in understanding the epidemiology of nosocomial infections.
  • Recommended supplementary tests (arabinose, ribose, pyruvate assimilation) enhance diagnostic accuracy.

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