Evaluation of the ATB 32 A system for identification of anaerobic bacteria isolated from clinical specimens.

A new miniaturized 4-h method for the identification of anaerobic bacteria, ATB 32 A (API System SA, Montalieu Vercieu, France), was evaluated against conventional methods of identification. The evaluation was done by using 260 recent clinical isolates and 21 reference strains of anaerobic bacteria. All reference strains were correctly identified and did not figure in the detailed analysis.

[Septicemia caused by Branhamella (Neisseria) catarrhalis in an immunosuppressed patient].

A case is reported of Branhamella catarrhalis septicemia occurring during the aplastic phase of treatment for acute myeloblastic leukemia. Skin lesions were observed which are ordinarily seen in chronic gonococcal or meningococcal septicemia. The pathogenic role of this agent, which is normally considered nonaggressive, is discussed.