Comparison of Conventional Methods, the R/B System, and Modified R/B System as Guides to the Major Divisions of Enterobacteriaceae

Abstract

Primary grouping of more than 2,000 members of Enterobacteriaceae , freshly isolated from clinical specimens, was performed on the basis of eight conventional laboratory tests used routinely in this laboratory and by the R/B system. Results indicate that both systems perform well in this first step in the identification of various medically significant species of the family. Difficulties encountered with certain reactions of the R/B system were corrected with a physical modification of the tubes. An additional 100 representatives of Enterobacteriaceae were compared with conventional methods and the modified R/B system. Results indicate improvement in observing and interpreting findings with the R/B system.