Rapid detection and identification of Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides melaninogenicus by immunofluorescence.

Bacteroides fragilis group and Bacteroides melaninogenicus group fluorescent-antibody kits were evaluated with 188 clinical specimens and 116 fresh aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates. Fluorescent-antibody and culture results corresponded in 88% of clinical specimens of the B. fragilis group and 94% of clinical specimens of the B. melaninogenicus group. There was greater than or equal to 90% correlation for both kits with colony smears. Antigen sharing by Bacteroides bivius, Bacteroides disiens, and B. melaninogenicus was demonstrated.