Comparison of conventional methods, the R-B system, and modified R-B system as guides to the major divisions of Enterobacteriaceae.

Primary grouping of more than 2,000 members of Enterobacteriaceae, freshly isolated from clinical specimens, was performed on the basis of eight conventional laboratory tests used routinely in this laboratory and by the R/B system. Results indicate that both systems perform well in this first step in the identification of various medically significant species of the family. Difficulties encountered with certain reactions of the R/B system were corrected with a physical modification of the tubes. An additional 100 representatives of Enterobacteriaceae were compared with conventional methods and the modified R/B system. Results indicate improvement in observing and interpreting findings with the R/B system.