Evaluation of the New Automated PhoenixTM Microbiology System for Gram-Positive Cocci

METHODS: A total of 311 gram-positive cocci were tested, composed of 200 clinical isolates and 111 challenge strains. ID was performed on Staphylococci (171 strains), Enterococci (125 strains), and Streptococci (15 strains). AST was performed on all Staphylococal strains, and an Enterococcus faecalis (75 strains) and E. faecium (33 strains). The ID results were compared to API 20 Staph and API 20 Strep (bioMérieux, Lyon, France). Discrepant results were repeated in duplicate and remaining discrepant isolates were sent to the BDDS laboratory. For AST results the following drug classes (drugs) were evaluated in comparison to the NCCLS recommended standard broth micro-dilution method: Aminoglycosides (7), Beta-lactam antibiotics (6), Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors (4), Carbapenems (2), Cephems (17), Folate antagonists (2), Quinolones (10), Glycopeptides (2), Macrolides / Lincosamides (7), Others (6). Discrepant results were repeated in duplicate, all data were evaluated as defined by the SM guidelines [1].