ABSTRACT
Results obtained with the Culturette brand 10-Minute Group A Strep ID system were compared with culture results to measure the ability of this system to detect group A streptococci directly from more than 800 throat swabs. Our study showed a sensitivity of 92.4% and a specificity of 92.8% for this acid extraction, latex agglutination method when compared with anaerobic culturing for group A streptococci. The results suggest that the 10-Minute Group A Strep ID method may prove to be a useful, very rapid and easy method for diagnosing group A streptococcal pharyngitis directly from throat swabs. Further studies are suggested to determine whether this diagnostic method could stand alone or would have to be used in conjunction with culture.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Bacterial/analysis , Pharynx/microbiology , Streptococcus pyogenes/immunology , Agglutination , Humans , Latex Fixation Tests , Time FactorsABSTRACT
This paper explores in detail three automated systems for microbial identification and susceptibility testing: Autobac, MS-2, and the AutoMicrobic System (AMS). The systems' workings and their capabilities are described. A similar approach is taken with four automated microtiter systems: Sensititre, Sceptor, Micro-Coder II, and Micro Scan. Two new systems are described: the API UniScept System, and the COBAS (which is not yet on the market).
Subject(s)
Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Microbiological Techniques , Automation , Bacteriological Techniques/instrumentation , Microbial Sensitivity Tests/instrumentation , Microbiological Techniques/instrumentationABSTRACT
The rapid and efficient screening of blood and urine specimens for the presence of bacteria is now possible. Bioluminescent, colorimetric, and nephelometric bacterial detection systems are described in this paper. In addition, enzyme immunoassay for bacterial antigens is discussed.
