Application of the Amide Test to Differentiation of Species of the Genus Cryptococcus

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Abstract
The ability of Cryptococcus spp. to hydrolyze amides was studied. Eighty strains were tested with 17 amides as substrates. The amide test is a method that establishes new taxonomic criteria and greatly facilitates identification of these organisms. Furthermore, because the test is easily performed, it offers definite advantages over classical sugar assimilation tests. When it is used with a N assimilation test, it is possible to identify the majority of the Cryptococcus spp. This test also establishes some biochemical differences between C. neoformans serotypes and thus could substitute for the classical serotyping of Evans.