Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum isolated from clinical samples.

The aim of this study was to assess the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of 56 Arcanobacterium haemolyticum isolates isolated from 51 patients attending primary health care centres and emergency units in the health area of Santander (Cantabria, northern Spain). Phenotypic characterization was based on morphological, biochemical, and antigenic tests. Species identification was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene.

[Identification of clinically relevant fungi using molecular techniques].

Objective: To apply a sequencing-based molecular method to identify clinically relevant fungi to species level.

Method: Thirty-six fungi not identifiable at a species level by a conventional approach and 39 invasive clinical samples were prospectively evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional methods.

Comparison of different culture media and growth conditions for recognition of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum.

Detection of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is based upon typical beta-hemolysis and colony morphology, but it may go undetected if only conventional sheep blood agar media for detection of beta-hemolytic streptococci are used. The influence of different culture media, atmospheres, and times of incubation for the recognition of colonies of 47 isolates of A. haemolyticum was studied.