EVALUATION OF THE CULT-DIP PLUS DIP SLIDE METHOD FOR URINARY-TRACT INFECTION

Aim-To evaluate the Cult-Dip Plus (Merck, Germany), a bacteriological culture test for detecting uropathogens. Methods-Cult-Dip Plus consist s of Brolacin (CLED) and MacConkey agar, each containing methylumbelli ferylglucuronide (MUG). Using 1022 urine samples, this product was com pared with the routine method of calibrated loop inoculated CLED and b lood agar for screening urine for uropathogens. The MUG test for ident ifying Escherichia coli was also evaluated. Results-Compared with the routine method, Cult-Dip Plus has a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 88.3%, 98.0%, 91.9% , and 97.1%, respectively. The MUG test correctly identified 92% of E coli isolates with a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 91.6%, 95.2%, and 93.6%, respectively. Conclusion-Cult-Dip Pl us appears to be an alternative method to the calibrate loop method fo r detecting uropathogens. The MUG test permits rapid, reliable and ine xpensive identification of E coli.