“Every microorganism tells a story; only rigorous lab testing reveals the truth”
What is the Analytical Profile Index (API)?
In microbiology, the Analytical Profile Index (API) is a quick approach for rapidly and precisely identifying bacteria. Consider it is a sophisticated investigative kit used for microorganisms. It streamlines and standardises the complicated field of bacterial identification. To identify the distinct “fingerprint” of a bacterial species, the API index employs a set of tiny biochemical tests, each housed in tiny wells on a plastic strip. These findings can identify the germs under study in a matter of hours. However, it is a very useful tool in many different industries. It aids in the identification of microorganisms that cause disease, enabling professionals to select the best courses of action. It guarantees that there are no dangerous microorganisms present in the food we eat. It can identify microbial organisms that are essential to the health of ecosystems in environmental science. By making bacterial identification quicker, easier, and more accessible. The API transforms microbiology and enables researchers to easily unravel microbial mysteries where it work quick wheel testing of ready to eat food stuff.
How Does API Testing Work?
To determine precisely how a bacterial species acts and what makes it distinctive, API testing is similar to doing a number of tests. Using a clean, well-organised plastic strip known as an API strip, it analyses the bacterial metabolic and enzymatic activity. There are roughly 20 tiny wells on each strip, and each well has a distinct biochemical assay that examines the bacteria’s responses to particular chemicals. This is how it works: Each well on the strip receives a solution containing a sample of bacteria. The chemicals in the wells interact with the bacteria over a period of several hours. Certain wells may exhibit colour changes, bubbles, or other reactions. These alterations are the bacteria’s “responses,” which are similar to hints in a detective investigation. The precise bacterial species is identified by comparing the pattern of reactions with a database once the tests are finished. Whether scientists are trying to solve environmental mysteries or medical issues, this is a quick and accurate method of identifying microorganisms!
Benefits of Using API:
Speed and Efficiency: It compared to previous approaches, APIs offer rapid identification, frequently within 24 to 48 hours.
Standardization: There is less variation between labs thanks to the standardised format, which guarantees consistent and trustworthy results.
Versatility: There are API systems for Enterobacteriaceae, Gram-positive bacteria, and yeasts among other bacterial groupings.
Applications of API:
Clinical Diagnostics: Finding infections in patient specimens to direct therapy can be choices.
Food Safety: Finding bacterial contamination in food products to stop foodborne diseases.
Environmental Monitoring: Identifying bacteria in water, soil, and air samples to assess environmental health.
Research: It can be used to studying bacterial diversity and characterizing for new species as primarily screening within in a short time.
Common API Systems:
API 20E: It is being used for identifying Enterobacteriaceae (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella).
API Staph: For identifying Staphylococcus species
API 20NE: For identifying non-fastidious Gram-negative bacteria
Limitations of API:
Limited to Known Species: API can only identify bacteria that are included in its database.
Requires Pure Cultures: Accurate identification relies on obtaining a pure bacterial culture.
Atypical Strains: Some bacterial strains may exhibit atypical reactions, leading to misidentification.
The Future of Bacterial Identification:
While API is still a useful tool, newer molecular methods such as DNA sequencing are becoming more popular for identifying bacteria. These techniques provide improved accuracy and can detect a broader spectrum of bacteria, including those that may not be present in API databases. However, Bosshard et al. (2006) found that for non-fermenting bacteria, standard identification techniques like API 20 NE and VITEK 2 do not always yield excellent or very good species-level identification. They underlined that 16S rRNA gene sequencing should be performed on non-fermenters when accurate species classification is essential due to the limitations of these techniques. Higher precision and dependability in bacterial identification are provided by this molecular method, which guarantees correct categorisation and promotes improved clinical or research results.
How can you benefit from cultivator Phyto Lab?
By using cutting-edge microbiological testing, Cultivator Phyto Lab is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety for the goods under your brand. Being a top testing lab, we provide accurate microbiological analysis by utilising cutting-edge technologies. Finding and eliminating any pollutants in your production environment is greatly aided by our thorough microorganism testing. We assist in ensuring that your products continuously satisfy exacting quality and compliance standards by closely adhering to industry rules and food safety procedures.
Authors: Dr. Sanjoy Gupta and Bhaskar Ashish
References:
- Analytical Profile Index (API) System. bioMérieux. [Accessed January 23, 2025]. Available from: [Insert link to bioMérieux API page if available]
- MacFaddin J.F. (2000). Biochemical Tests for Identification of Medical Bacteria. 3rd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Tille, P. M. (2014). Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology. 13th Edition. Mosby.
- Benson, H. J. (2002). Microbiological Applications: Laboratory Manual in General Microbiology. 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill.
- Murray, P. R., Rosenthal, K. S., & Pfaller, M. A. (2015). Medical Microbiology. 8th Edition. Elsevier.
- Bosshard PPZbinden R, Abels S, Böddinghaus B, Altwegg M, Böttger EC. 2006. 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing versus the API 20 NE System and the VITEK 2 ID-GNB Card for Identification of Nonfermenting Gram-Negative Bacteria in the Clinical Laboratory. J Clin Microbiol 44:. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.44.4.1359-1366.2006
Further Reading:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC271883/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17184339/