Identification of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis with an umbelliferyl-labelled galactosaminide.

The 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-galactosaminide (UAG) test was evaluated in parallel with chlamydospore (CHL) and germ-tube (GT) tests for the identification of Candida spp. The UAG test gave 86.6% correct identification of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Non-C. albicans and non-C. tropicalis yeasts gave correct negative results in UAG tests. Only one isolate of Trichosporon beigelii gave a "false" positive reaction. The UAG test, which can be completed within 30 min, is a reliable test for screening non-C. albicans and non-C. tropicalis yeasts.