Rapid biochemical testing procedures for Enterobacteriaceae in foods
1979
Cox, N.A. | Mercuri, A.J.
Numerous miniaturized multi-test systems for biochemical differentiation and species identification of Enterobacteriaceae are commercially available, namely the API, Enterotube, Inolex, Minitek, Pathotec, R-B, and Micro I-D systems. (Tables list manufacturers, number of tests, and approximate cost per organism identified). The Cox et al. (1977) comprehensive review of studies, in which comprehensive test comparisons were made between diagnostic kits and conventional tests, is updated. Tests were evaluated to determine relevance to food and environmental microbiology. Precautions must be taken in using diagnostic tests because: 1) identification is based on key factors and not a complete scheme, leaving room for error; 2) colonial, morphological and seriological criteria should be used in addition to biochemical data; 3) systems do not identify organisms other than Enterobacteriaceae; 4) systems use pure cultures; 5) instructions of the manufacturer must be followed for accurate results. Despite noted disadvantages for each system, it seems likely that microbiologists will choose these systems over time-consuming conventional procedures.
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