16S rRNA Gene Sequencing in Routine Identification of Anaerobic Bacteria Isolated from Blood Cultures

A comparison between conventional identification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of anaerobic bacteria isolated from blood cultures in a routine setting was performed (n = 127). With sequencing, 89% were identified to the species level, versus 52% with conventional identification. The times for identification were 1.5 days and 2.8 days, respectively.