Rapid identification of enterococci.

A 4-h method was devised to differentiate the non-beta-hemolytic streptococci into three categories: enterococci, group D nonenterococci, and viridans streptococci. All of the Streptococcus faecalis, 90% of the Streptococcus faecium (enterococci), and 96% of the Streptococcus bovis biotype I (group D nonenterococci) cultures were correctly identified by the 4-h method. The less commonly isolated group D cultures had lower rates of correct identification by this method. None of the viridans streptococci was identified incorrectly.