The rapid differentiation and identification of pathogenic bacteria using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and multivariate statistical analysis

Abstract

A novel, spectroscopic approach to the differentiation and identification of pathogenic bacteria was elaborated. The method essentially takes advantage of the Fourier transform infrared spectra of intact microorganisms. Such bacterial ir-spectra could be recorded within minutes with ample sensitivity and excellent reproducibility when applying a highly standardized experimental procedure prior to ir-measurements. The comparison of the fingerprint-like bacterial ir-pattern yielded, on the basis of the first and/or second derivatives of selected spectral regions, the differentiation and identification of a variety of bacterial species when applying cross-correlation and correspondence analysis techniques. Some examples, comprising selected series of clinically relevant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, are quoted to demonstrate the possible range of application of the new techniques.