Evaluation of the Minitek gram-positive set for identification of staphylococci isolated from the bovine mammary gland.

The Minitek Gram-Positive Set was evaluated as a means of identifying staphylococci isolated from bovine mammary glands. Initial accuracy was 79.2%. Misidentification of isolates due to data base deficiencies resulted with the animal-associated species Staphylococcus intermedius and S. hyicus. Minor modification to account for data base deficiencies permitted recognition of 87.7% of the isolates. Incorporation of additional veterinary isolates into the data base would improve the accuracy of the Minitek system and enhance acceptance by veterinary microbiologists.