IDENTIFICATION OF RHODOCOCCUS, GORDONA AND DIETZIA SPECIES USING CARBON SOURCE UTILIZATION TESTS (BIOTYPE-100 STRIPS)

The ''Biotype-100'' identification system (BioMerieux, La Balme-les-Gr ottes, France) based on carbon source utilization was evaluated for it s ability to discriminate among 10 species of Rhodococcos, 7 species o f Gordona and one species of Dietzia. The type strains of three specie s of Tsukamurella and 8 species of Nocardia were also included in the study. Results were compared with chemotaxonomic and conventional data . Carbon source utilization was shown to be reliable, rapid and easy t o use when compared with standard identification methods. The 29 speci es tested were unambiguously separated by carbon source utilization te sts. Rhodococcos equi was found to be heterogenous.