Usefulness of the MicroSeq 500 16S rDNA bacterial identification system for identification of anaerobic Gram positive bacilli isolated from blood cultures

• Published in: Journal of clinical pathology Vol. 59; no. 2; pp. 219 - 222
• Main Authors: Lau, S K P, Ng, K H L, Woo, P C Y, Yip, K-t, Fung, A M Y, Woo, G K S, Chan, K-m, Que, T-l, Yuen, K-y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists 01.02.2006; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: 16S rDNA gene; Accuracy; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; anaerobic Gram positive bacilli; Bacteria; Bacteria, Anaerobic - classification; Bacteria, Anaerobic - genetics; Bacteria, Anaerobic - isolation & purification; Bacterial Typing Techniques - methods; Biological and medical sciences; blood cultures; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Diagnostic Errors; DNA; DNA, Bacterial - genetics; DNA, Ribosomal - genetics; Female; Genes; Gram-Positive Bacteria - classification; Gram-Positive Bacteria - genetics; Gram-Positive Bacteria - isolation & purification; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - diagnosis; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - microbiology; Humans; Identification systems; Infant; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Microseq 500; Middle Aged; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Patients; Polymerase chain reaction; ribosomal RNA; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics; rRNA; Short Report; Infection; Anatomic pathology; Gram positive bacteria; Ribosomal DNA; Bacteriosis; Identification; Blood culture
• ISSN: 0021-9746; 1472-4146
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2004.025247

Using full 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing as the gold standard, 20 non-duplicating anaerobic Gram positive bacilli isolated from blood cultures were analysed by the MicroSeq 500 16S rDNA bacterial identification system. The MicroSeq system successfully identified 13 of the 20 isolates. Four and three isolates were misidentified at the genus and species level, respectively. Although the MicroSeq 500 16S rDNA bacterial identification system is better than three commercially available identification systems also evaluated, its database needs to be expanded for accurate identification of anaerobic Gram positive bacilli.