Development of a novel method for detection ofClostridium difficileusingHS‐SPME‐GC‐MS

Autor: Emma Tait, John D. Perry, Stephen P. Stanforth, Kerry Hill, John R. Dean
Rok vydání: 2014
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Applied Microbiology. 116:1010-1019
ISSN: 1365-2672
1364-5072
Popis: AIMS:A novel method has been developed that allows successful differentiation between Clostridium difficile culture-positive and culture-negative stool samples based on volatile organic compound (VOC) evolution and detection by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). METHODS AND RESULTS: The method is based on the activation of p-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase produced by Cl. difficile and the detection of a specific VOC, that is 2-fluoro-4-methylphenol from an enzyme substrate. In addition, other VOCs were good indicators for Cl. difficile, that is isocaproic acid and p-cresol, although they could not be used alone for identification purposes. One hundred stool samples were tested, of which 77 were positive by culture. Detection using HS-SPME-GC-MS allowed confirmation of the presence of Cl. difficile within 18 h with a sensitivity and specificity of 83·1 and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that this new approach could be used alongside conventional methods for Cl. difficile detection, including toxin detection methods, which would allow any false-negative results to be eliminated. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The ability to identify Cl. difficile-positive stool samples by the analysis of VOCs could allow the development of a VOC detection device which could allow rapid diagnosis of disease and hence prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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