Open AccessA new gel tube method for the direct detection, identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria in clinical samples
Author(s) -
Langlet S.,
Beaupère F.,
Contant G.,
Scheftel J.M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1999.tb13378.x
Subject(s) - bacteria , chromatography , staphylococcus aureus , centrifugation , microbiology and biotechnology , agar plate , urine , escherichia coli , agar , micrococcaceae , staphylococcus , biology , chemistry , biochemistry , genetics , gene
We recently developed a simple new method which is designed to separate and concentrate bacteria from a sample by centrifugation in a gel system. Bacterial enzyme activity is then detected inside the gel without further manipulation using a colorimetric or fluorogenic substrate. The method provides a rapid, direct means of detecting bacteria in clinical samples, dispensing with the 24‐h period normally required to isolate colonies on agar. Various applications of the method are described below, e.g. screening of negative urine samples, identification of Escherichia coli in urine samples, identification of Staphylococcus aureus in blood culture broths and detection of oxacillin‐resistant S. aureus in blood culture broths. The advantages of the gel system and other applications are discussed.