Miniaturized tests for computer-assisted identification of motile Aeromonas species with an improved probability matrix

Aims: To develop miniaturized tests for the phenotypic identification of motile Aeromonas species using an improved probability matrix. Methods and Results: Conventional tests were miniaturized for use in 96-well plates, and their performance assessed using 60 aeromonads comprising type and reference strains as well as clinical, fish and water isolates. A revised probability matrix for Aeromonas hybridization groups 1-14, including A. allosaccharophila, A. bestiarum, A. encheleia and A. popoffii, was developed. Using 26 tests, all the reference strains were correctly identified with the revised probability matrix, and 80% of the isolates were correctly identified at: a Willcox probability level of 95%. Conclusions: The compact test format, coupled with a robust identification matrix, provides a convenient basis for identifying motile aeromonads. Significance and Impact of the Study: The identification system for identifying aeromonads will be of use to medical and veterinary laboratories undertaking disease diagnosis.