Is it possible to perform bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing with a positive blood culture bottle for quick diagnosis of bloodstream infections?

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.