EVALUATION OF THE AUXACOLOR SYSTEM, A NEW METHOD OF CLINICAL YEAST IDENTIFICATION

Aims-To compare the AUXACOLOR yeast identification system with the API 20C system. Methods-Yeast isolates (n=215), comprising 16 species, we re identified using the AUXACOLOR system and the API 20C system. Isola tes that could not be identified with the API 20C system or which prod uced discrepant results in the two systems were identified by assimila tion and fermentation procedures. Results-AUXACOLOR correctly identifi ed 150 (85.7%) of 175 germ tube negative isolates while API 20C identi fied 155 (88.6%). Incorrect identifications were more common with API 20C (7.4%) than with AUXACOLOR (3.7%). Of 110 isolates of four common pathogens (Candida glabrata, C parapsilosis, C tropicalis, and Cryptoc occus neoformans), 82.7% (91/110) were identified by AUXACOLOR while A PI 20C identified 74.5% (82/110). Of 65 less common germ tube negative isolates, 55.4% (36/65) were identified by AUXACOLOR while API 20C id entified 63.1% (41/65). Conclusion-Although it has a limited database of 26 species, the AUXACOLOR system is a useful method for identificat ion of germ tube negative clinical yeast isolates. Compared with the A PI 20C, the AUXACOLOR system is simpler and quicker to set up, easier to interpret, and comparable in cost.