title: Comparison of API ZYM system with API AN-Ident, API 20A, Minitek Anaerobe II, and RapID-ANA systems for identification of Clostridium difficile.
abstract: The API ZYM system was compared with four anaerobe identification systems for the definitive identification of Clostridium difficile by using 88 cultures of C. difficile grown on Mueller-Hinton blood agar medium. The API ZYM system yielded a distinct and consistent enzyme profile for all test strains, whereas the sensitivities of the other systems in identifying C. difficile ranged from 78 to 96% (AN-Ident, 77.9%; RapID-ANA, 88.6%; Minitek Anaerobe II, 90.9%; and API 20A, 95.5%). The API ZYM system is highly reliable in identifying C. difficile accurately, is rapid, and is relatively simple to use.
authors.affiliation: Newfoundland Public Health Laboratory, St. John's, Canada.
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Head
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ratnam
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003013:Clostridium / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic