Analytical profile index

The analytical profile index, or API, is a classification of bacteria based on biochemical tests. The system was developed to accelerate the speed of identifying clinically relevant bacteria. It can only be used to identify known species from an index.

History
The analytical profile index (API) was invented in the 1970s in the United States by Pierre Janin of Analytab Products Inc. The API test system is currently manufactured by bioMérieux. The API range introduced a standardized and miniaturized version of existing techniques, which were considered complicated to perform and difficult to read.

Description
Identification is only possible with a microbiological culture. API test strips consist of wells containing dehydrated substrates such as the redox substrates, electrogenic substrates and luminogenic substrates to detect enzymatic activity, usually related to the fermentation of carbohydrate or catabolism of proteins or amino acids by the inoculated organisms. A bacterial suspension is used to rehydrate each of the wells and the strips are incubated. During incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents. For example, when carbohydrates are fermented, the pH within the well decreases and that is indicated by a change in the color of the pH indicator. All test results are compiled to obtain a profile number, which is then compared with profile numbers in a commercial codebook (or online) to determine the identification of the bacterial species.

API-20E
Before starting a test, one must confirm the cultured bacteria are Enterobacteriaceae, this is done by a quick oxidase test for cytochrome coxidase. Enterobacteriaceae are typically oxidase negative, meaning they either do not use oxygen as an electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, or they use a different cytochrome enzyme for transferring electrons to oxygen. If the culture is determined to be oxidase-positive, alternative tests must be carried out to correctly identify the bacterial species. API-20E is specific for differentiating between members of the Gram-negative bacteria family Enterobacteriaceae. Another API system, API-Staph, is specific for Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus species, Micrococcus species, and related organisms.

API 20E/NE
The API 20E/NE fast identification system allows the identification of a limited number of Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae or non-Enterobacteriaceae. The test systems are stored in 20 small reaction tubes, which include the substrates.