RESUMO
The identity of each of 239 yeasts, encompassing 9 genera and 30 species, was determined with the Quantum II and API 20C identification systems. With API 20C results accepted as being correct, Quantum II proved to be 92% accurate in identification of common isolates, e.g., Candida albicans and Torulopsis glabrata, but only 73% effective with less frequently encountered yeasts, e.g., Trichosporon beigelii and Rhodotorula glutinis. Overall, Quantum II was 86% as accurate as API 20C for the yeast isolates tested. In addition, physical problems were encountered in inoculation of Quantum II cartridges and in the automated reading of some biochemical tests. We conclude that Quantum II is not yet suitable for routine identification of clinical yeast isolates.