Abstract
The conventional auxanographic method of testing for the assimilation of carbohydrates and alcohols by the various species of Prototheca requires at least 2 weeks of incubation at 25 to 30 degrees C before definitive results are obtained. Even though Prototheca spp., in culture as well as in fixed tissues, can be identified more rapidly by fluorescent-antibody techniques in which species-specific reagents are used, such diagnostic facilities and reagents are not available in most diagnostic laboratories. The API 20C clinical yeast identification system, a commercially available ready-to-use micromethod, was found to permit the definitive identification of P. stagnora, P. wickerhamii, and P. zopfii within 4 days.