Identification of Aerobic Actinomycetes Species

Identification of aerobic actinomycetes isolates to the genus or species level as per ‘LPSN (List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature, author:  J.P. Euzeby).’  The testing is conducted using a combination of MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization – Time Of Flight) Mass Spectrometry* and/or DNA sequence-based methodologies.

• Various

Pure cultures of isolates recovered from normally sterile sites and serious wound infections.

N/A

Ship all cultures at room temperature (DO NOT freeze) for overnight delivery, and prior to Wednesday each week to ensure receipt by Friday.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

None

Notification of sample submission must be emailed or faxed prior to shipping isolates. Samples should be shipped attention: Melissa Rabb, Head, Reference and Diagnostic Services, NRCM/NML at 204-789-6081/204-789-6038.  A requisition for the NRCM must be completed and signed off by the supervisor/designate of the submitting laboratory and include the source of specimen, patient gender, date of birth, clinical history, submitting laboratory identifier and submitter information.  Please also include isolate characteristics:  microscopy, pigmentation, culture characteristics, growth rate/temperature, and other identification.  Requested testing for urgent submissions should be accompanied by a justification.

Cultures will be rejected if appropriate documentation and justification is incomplete or missing. 

Species identification will be determined using MALDI-TOF, 16S rRNA and/or hsp65 gene fragment sequencing. The identification will be determined by comparison of sequencing data to NCBI BLAST database or Bruker MALDI-TOF database.   

Routine testing from culture: 10 calendar days from the date of specimen receipt.

1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. 2018. Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria, Nocardia spp., and Other Aerobic Actinomycetes; Approved Standard-Third Edition. M24-Ed3. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, Wayne, Pennsylvania.
2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. 2018. Performance Standards for Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria, Nocardia spp., and Other Aerobic Actinomycetes; First Edition. M62-Ed1. Clinical and Laboratory Standrads Institute, Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Nocardia spp.