We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Clostridium Strains Emit Volatile Organic Compounds in Characteristic Patterns

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 16 Sep 2014
A novel method for determining Clostridium difficile ribotypes was based on mass spectroscopy analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by cultures of the diarrhea-causing bacteria.

Bacteria are classified in ribotypes following identification by ribotyping. More...
This process involves the fingerprinting of genomic DNA restriction fragments that contain all or part of the genes coding for 16S and 23S rRNA (ribosomal RNA). Digestion of the genes with a specific restriction enzyme generates fragments of different lengths. Gel electrophoresis analysis of the digested samples converts the fragments to lines on the gel. After blotting onto a matrix and probing, these lines form a unique pattern for each species and can be used to identify the origin of the DNA.

The various C. difficile ribotypes can cause variety symptoms that may need to be treated differently, so a test that could not only spot an infection but also determine which type of infection could lead to new treatment options.

In a recent study investigators at the University of Leicester (United Kingdom) used proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometry to profile the VOCs produced by ten different C. difficile ribotypes. A total of 69 VOCs were identified, and combinations of these VOCs were found to be characteristic for each of the ribotypes. The VOC patterns, with the aid of a statistical analysis, were found to be useful in distinguishing different ribotypes.

A tentative assignment of different masses revealed that different ribotypes had markedly different emissions of methanol, p-cresol, dimethylamine, and a range sulfur compounds (ethylene sulfide, dimethylsulfide, and methyl thioacetate), which suggested that VOCs may serve as potential indicators of different metabolic pathways in virulent and less-virulent strains.

Senior author Dr. Paul Monks, professor of chemistry at the University of Leicester, said, "The rapid detection and identification of the bug Clostridium difficile is a primary concern in healthcare facilities. Rapid and accurate diagnoses are important to reduce C. difficile infections, as well as to provide the right treatment to infected patients. Delayed treatment and inappropriate antibiotics not only cause high morbidity and mortality, but also add costs to the healthcare system through lost bed days. Our approach may lead to a rapid clinical diagnostic test based on the VOCs released from fecal samples of patients infected with C. difficile. We do not underestimate the challenges in sampling and attributing C. difficile VOCs from fecal samples."

The study was published in the July 17, 2014, online edition of the journal Metabolomics.

Related Links:

University of Leicester



New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Clinical Chemistry System
P780
New
Gold Member
Hematology Analyzer
Medonic M32B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: EvoLiver is the first test to receive FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in five years in the liver cancer surveillance space (Photo courtesy of Mursla Bio)

Patient-Friendly Blood Test to Transform Liver Cancer Surveillance

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related deaths. Although clinical guidelines recommend routine surveillance for high-risk... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: CellLENS enables the potential precision therapy strategies against specific immune cell populations in the tissue environment (Photo courtesy of MIT)

New AI System Uncovers Hidden Cell Subtypes to Advance Cancer Immunotherapy

To produce effective targeted therapies for cancer, scientists need to isolate the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of cancer cells, both within and across different tumors. These differences significantly... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The Check4 gene-detection platform (Photo courtesy of IdentifySensors)

Electronic Biosensors Used to Detect Pathogens Can Rapidly Detect Cancer Cells

A major challenge in healthcare is the early and affordable detection of serious diseases such as cancer. Early diagnosis remains difficult due to the complexity of identifying specific genetic markers... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.