Comparison of rapid identification method and conventional substrates for identification of Corynebacterium group JK isolates.

In an effort to identify Corynebacterium group JK isolates rapidly, Rapid Identification Method (RIM series; Austin Biological Laboratories, Inc., Austin, Tex.) substrates were tested in parallel with conventional substrates. RIM reactions agreed with conventional substrate results, respectively, as follows: urea, 38 of 38; nitrate, 35 of 38; glucose, 35 of 38; maltose, 28 of 38; sucrose, 37 of 38; and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, 24 of 26. As a supplement to initial screening tests, the RIM tests offer a rapid method for identifying group JK isolates.