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Journal of Clinical Microbiology, May 2004, p. 2065-2073, Vol. 42, No. 5
0095-1137/04/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/JCM.42.5.2065-2073.2004
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Comparison of Conventional and Molecular Methods for Identification of Aerobic Catalase-Negative Gram-Positive Cocci in the Clinical Laboratory

P. P. Bosshard,* S. Abels, M. Altwegg, E. C. Böttger, and R. Zbinden

Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, 8028 Zürich, Switzerland

Received 8 October 2003/ Returned for modification 2 December 2003/ Accepted 11 January 2004

Over a period of 18 months we have evaluated the use of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis as a means of identifying aerobic catalase-negative gram-positive cocci in the clinical laboratory. A total of 171 clinically relevant strains were studied. The results of molecular analyses were compared with those obtained with a commercially available phenotypic identification system (API 20 Strep system; bioMérieux sa, Marcy l'Etoile, France). Phenotypic characterization identified 67 (39%) isolates to the species level and 32 (19%) to the genus level. Seventy-two (42%) isolates could not be discriminated at any taxonomic level. In comparison, 16S rDNA sequencing identified 138 (81%) isolates to the species level and 33 (19%) to the genus level. For 42 of 67 isolates assigned to a species with the API 20 Strep system, molecular analyses yielded discrepant results. Upon further analysis it was concluded that among the 42 isolates with discrepant results, 16S rDNA sequencing was correct for 32 isolates, the phenotypic identification was correct for 2 isolates, and the results for 8 isolates remained unresolved. We conclude that 16S rDNA sequencing is an effective means for the identification of aerobic catalase-negative gram-positive cocci. With the exception of Streptococcus pneumoniae and beta-hemolytic streptococci, we propose the use of 16S rDNA sequence analysis if adequate species identification is of concern.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 30, CH-8028 Zürich, Switzerland. Phone: 41 1 634 27 00. Fax: 41 1 634 49 06. E-mail: philboss{at}immv.unizh.ch.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, May 2004, p. 2065-2073, Vol. 42, No. 5
0095-1137/04/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/JCM.42.5.2065-2073.2004
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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