Comparison of three commercial systems for the identification of germ-tubenegative yeast species isolated from clinical specimens

Three commercial systems were evaluated for their ability to identify 171 g erm-tube negative yeasts isolated from clinical specimens. The Yeast Bioche mical Card and Analytical Profile Index 20 AUX identified 97% of 171 strain s tested. The Biolog system had poor clinical utility: only 48% of strains were identified. For Yeast Biochemical Card and Analytical Profile Index 20 AUX, 9% and 6%, respectively, required repeat testing and both systems req uired supplemental tests for 28% of the strains. These observations indicat e that considerable expertise and a battery of reagents in addition to the basic systems are required for accurate identification of germ-tube negativ e yeasts. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.