A Practical Approach to Identification of Yeast-like Organisms

A sequential yeast work-up for expeditious identification of yeast-like organisms is proposed. The procedure is within the capabilities of most diagnostic laboratories. It was developed on the basis of an evaluation of the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of the germ tube test, morphologic examination, and sugar assimilation and fermentation tests of 530 yeast-like organisms isolated from clinical specimens. As a result of this study, with the proposed work-up, 96.4% of these yeast-like organisms would be correctly identified within 72 hr. of isolation. An additional 1.2% would be identified incorrectly, and 2.4% would require more than 72 hr. for proper identification.