Utility of Chromogenic Disc Using Replication System versus Conventional Method for Detection of Uropathogens

Aims: To evaluate utility of replication system using chromogenic disc for detection of uropathogens and to compare the result with conventional method for the same.
Design: A total of 625 urine samples were processed from suspected cases of urinary tract infection, admitted in a rural medical college of Maharashtra.
Methodology: The culture isolates of uropathogens were identified by both conventional method and by chromogenic disc using replica system.
Results: Out of 625 urine specimens, 419 (67.04%) were Culture positive. There was growth of Escherichia coli 197(99.49%), Enterococcus faecalis 88 (21%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 63 (15.03%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10.73%. There was mixed growth of organisms 15(3.57%) in urine specimens. All uropathogens isolates were identified correctly by conventional as well as chromogenic disc using replica system, except one. One of the Escherichia coli isolate was identified by conventional methods but with replica system it showed colourless colonies instead of purple colonies.
Conclusion: Replica system is a rapid, cost effective and easy method for detection of uropathogens with satisfactory result. It can be adopted in clinical microbiology laboratory for presumptive diagnosis of uropathogens.