Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Bloodstream infections can be fatal, and timely identification of the etiologic agent is important for treatment.
METHODOLOGY:
An alternative method, consisting of direct identification and susceptibility testing of blood culture bottles using the automated VITEK 2® system, was assessed.
RESULTS:
All 37 of the Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) identifications and 57.1% of the 28 Gram-positive cocci (GPC) identifications matched those obtained with standard methods. In susceptibility testing, the agreement was greater than 90%.
CONCLUSIONS:
This alternative methodology may assist in the early identification and susceptibility testing of GNB. Further research is necessary to develop appropriate methods for GPC.
Keywords:
Blood culture; Sepsis; Rapid diagnosis