The API ZYM system as a tool for typing of Pasteureila multocida strains from humans

Abstract 33 human clinical isolates of Pasteurella multocida were typed with the API ZYM enzymatic activity test kit. All isolates showed in repeat tests the presence of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, phosphoamidase, esterase (C 4 ), esterase lipase (C 8 ), and leucine arylamidase. 14 isolates exhibited additional enzyme activities, and five different reaction patterns could be recognized among the 33 isolates. The results of these enzyme activity tests are reproducible if parameters such as isolation medium, density of inoculum, and incubation time of the test strips are standardized.