A New Method for the Rapid Identification and Differentiation of Pathogenic Microorganisms Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

In spite of several attempts to introduce modern physical methods for the detection and identification of pathogenic bacteria, most routine identifications are presently based on microscopic, biochemical, and physiologic methods. Some emphasis has been put on the development for ready-to-use commercially available test kits, for example for the differentiation and identification of enterobacteria and for some other microorganisms, which result in identification within 24 h (and in certain cases also within 5–6 h) after obtaining isolated single colonies. The need for rationalization and speeding up of the identification procedure has led to the development of systems which allow easy and semiautomatic operation, but at relatively high cost. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for new developments in this field which will have to fulfill the following requirements: 1. Rapid and secure identification of all phathogenic bacteria 2. Simple operation, using a uniform procedure 3. Identification down to the strain level, if desired 4. Simple standardization and full computerizability 5. Reasonable price — performance correlation.