Methods for the isolation and identification of obligate anaerobes.

The methods used for the isolation and identification of obligate anaerobes often appear to be exactly the same as those used 20 years ago. However, careful evaluation of the methodology available reveals many improvements in technology. More importantly, the use of computerized instrumentation and new, non-growth-dependent methods for characterization suggest that in the next few years even greater changes will occur in systems for identification of this group of organisms.