16S rRNA gene sequencing in routine identification of anaerobic bacteria isolated from blood cultures

Abstract

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.