Identification of Clostridium difficile using the API ZYM system.

The use of the API ZYM system for the identification of Clostridium difficile was investigated. The enzyme profiles generated by this system readily distinguished strains of Clostridium difficile from other clostridia commonly isolated from faeces. Enzyme activity of Clostridium difficile was influenced by the composition of the culture medium but appeared to be independent of the age of the culture. Given careful standardisation of techniques the API ZYM system is a suitable alternative to conventional techniques for identification of Clostridium difficile.