Preliminary evaluation of a rapid colorimetric method for identification of pathogenic Neisseria

Abstract
A rapid colorimetric method for the identification of pathogenic Neisseria (Identicult-Neisseria; Scott Laboratories, Inc.) based on .beta.-galactosidase, .gamma.-glutamylaminopeptidase, and .gamma.-prolylaminopeptidase is described. All 82 clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 9 clinical isolates of N. meningitidis, and 5 clinical isolates of N. lactamica were correctly determined to the species level, as were 4 isolates of Branhamella catarrhalis. Reactions were prompt and easily interpreted. The system should be extremely useful in clinical laboratories.