Comparison of the MicroScan, VITEK 2, and Crystal GP with 16S rRNA sequencing and MicroSeq 500 v2.0 analysis for coagulase-negative Staphylococci

BMC Microbiol. 2008 Dec 23:8:233. doi: 10.1186/1471-2180-8-233.

Abstract

Background: Three phenotypic identification systems (MicroScan, VITEK 2, and Crystal GP) were evaluated for their accuracy to identify coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). A total of 120 clinical isolates confirmed to be CNS via 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis with the MicroSeq 500 v2.0 database were assessed.

Results: The MicroScan, VITEK 2, and Crystal GP systems correctly identified 82.5%, 87.5%, and 67.5% of the isolates, respectively. Misidentification was the main problem in MicroScan (10.8%) and Crystal GP (23.3%) systems, whereas the main problem of VITEK 2 was low-level discrimination (7.5%).

Conclusion: None of the 3 phenotypic systems tested could accurately and reliably identify CNS at the species level. Further verifications such as biochemical testing or 16S rRNA sequencing together with analysis using a comparable database might be helpful in this regard.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Bacteriological Techniques / standards*
  • Coagulase / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus / classification*
  • Staphylococcus / enzymology
  • Staphylococcus / genetics
  • Staphylococcus / physiology*

Substances

  • Coagulase
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S