title: A rapid test for the presumptive identification of Clostridium perfringens.
abstract: A novel rapid method for the identification of colonies of Clostridium perfringens (key iD Lab M Ltd. Bury, UK) was evaluated. The method consists of a test strip containing substrates for pre-formed enzymes selected for optimum differentiation of C. perfringens from other clostridia. One hundred and forty-six strains of clostridia were tested using the key iD strip. The strip successfully confirmed the identity of all 73 strains of C. perfringens tested, and differentiated these from 73 strains of 20 other clostridial species. C. absonum and C. baratii, spedes which are very similar to C. perfringens, could also be differentiated by this method. The key iD strip is recommended for laboratories as a rapid alternative to more conventional tests for presumptive identification of C. perfringens.
authors.affiliation: Anaerobe Reference Unit, Public Health Laboratory, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. WMMJS@UK.AC.CARDIFF
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Brazier
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hall