Applications of gas chromatography in the diagnosis of anaerobic infections
Menozzi, M.G.; Toni, M.; Schito, G.C.
Annali Dell'istituto Superiore di Sanita 15(1): 155-165
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2571 PMID: 553479 Document Number: 146263
The isolation and identification of anaerobic bacteria by biochemical tests take long time, so it is very useful the gas-chromatography to detect the volatile fatty acids produced from their metabolism. This technique can give rapidly a presumptive diagnosis of anaerobic infection so that it is possible to start immediately a correct antibiotic therapy. In this study we have examined many samples of pus and exudate, and the results have been compared with those obtained from the culture. We have found a good correlation between the detection by gas-chromatography of isobutyric and butyric acids and the isolation in the culture of anaerobic flora, and particularly of Bacteroides fragilis when the gas-chromatography detected isobutyric, butyric and succinic acids.