[Rapid differentiation and presumptive identificaiton of yeasts using Candida CHROM-agar medium]

In order to evaluate faster and cheaper methods for isolation and identification of clinically important yeasts, we used CHROM-agar Candida (CAC), a chromogenic medium, for differentiation and presumptive identification. A total of 546 yeast strains were studied. Strains were previously identified by conventional methods. The colour and texture of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and Trichosporon beigelii were always constant and particularly distinctive for a reliable identification. C. glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, C. parapsilopsis colonies also showed constant colour. Because of its contents of cloramphenicol, CAC is also suitable for isolation and observation of mixed yeast species from clinical samples. CAC is a useful medium for reliable differentiation and presumptive identification of clinically important yeasts, particularly form immunocompromised patients.