[Rapid preliminary diagnosis of anaerobic bacterial infections. II. Investigation of the presence of volatile and non-volatile fatty acids (C1-C6) in pus, purulent fluids and dressing by application of gas chromatography]

Abstract

Studies were performed in the years 1986-1990 and dealing with 405 clinical materials originating from infections within the abdominal cavity, maxilla, reproductive organ, post-operative wounds as well as dressings, extremities, blood, bile and other types of material and usefulness of analysis by gas chromatography of presence of lower fatty acids in materials for rapid and preliminary diagnostics with strictly anaerobic bacteria was confirmed. Presence in chromatograms of isobutyric, butyric isovaleric, valeric, isocaproic and caproic acid, and partly of propionic acid, is a good indication of infection with strictly anaerobic bacteria. Moreover, presence of succinic acid may suggest presence of anaerobic infection, similarly as presence in chromatograms of three or more various lower fatty acids. Rapid, approximative diagnosis of anaerobic bacteria by application of gas chromatography is worth of broader application. Investigation of clinical material by this method lasts only 1-2 hours and obtained results my present a basis for preliminary diagnosis of the etiological factor and for direction of chemotherapy, which is very important in most early period of treatment of infections.