Identification of Pasteurella multocida and Pasteurella haemolytica by API 20E, Minitek, and Oxi/Ferm systems

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Abstract
Fifty serotyped isolates each of P. multocida and P. haemolytica were tested on the API 20E strip, the Oxi/Ferm tube and the Minitek system. None of the rapid test systems reliably identified these organisms. With the API system, discrepancies between expected and actual results for the oxidase test and nitrate test frequently resulted in misidentification or no identification. The Minitek system misidentified 68% of the P. haemolytica isolates. The Minitek identification of Pasteurella depends on 100% positive xylose reactions; only 56% of the P. haemolytica strains were positive for xylose fermentation. The Oxi/Ferm system, instead of giving a definitive identification, in most instances merely placed Pasteurella in a category of similar organisms.