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J Appl Microbiol

Title:		Development of a novel method for detection of Clostridium difficile using HS-SPME-GC-MS
Author(s):		Tait E; Hill KA; Perry JD; Stanforth SP; Dean JR;
Address:		"Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK"
Journal Title:		J Appl Microbiol
Year:		2014
Volume:		20140106
Issue:		4
Page Number:		1010 - 1019
DOI:		10.1111/jam.12418
ISSN/ISBN:		1365-2672 (Electronic) 1364-5072 (Linking)
Abstract:		"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"
Keywords:		Clostridioides difficile/chemistry/*isolation & purification Cresols/analysis Feces/microbiology Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/*methods *Solid Phase Microextraction Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis Clostridium difficile Hs-spme-gc-ms p-hydroxyph;
Notes:		"MedlineTait, E Hill, K A Perry, J D Stanforth, S P Dean, J R eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2013/12/11 J Appl Microbiol. 2014 Apr; 116(4):1010-9. doi: 10.1111/jam.12418. Epub 2014 Jan 6"