FTIR microscopy as a method for identification of bacterial and fungal infections

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy is considered to be a comprehensive and sensitive method for detection of molecular changes in cells. The advantage of FTIR microspectroscopy over conventional FTIR spectroscopy is that it facilitates inspection of restricted regions of the examined sample. In the present study, we examined the potential of FTIR microscopy as an easy, rapid and reliable technique for discrimination between bacteria and fungi both of which are involved in various human and other animal infections. In many cases, there is no easy and rapid technique for identifying the cause of such infections whether it is bacteria, fungi or both. Knowing such information in a rapid way could be highly important for effective therapy. Our results proved detectable and significant spectral differences between bacterial and fungal samples. Representative peaks of bacteria and fungi appeared clearly in the spectra of a mixture of bacteria and fungi. It seems that this technique could be used for rapid discrimination between bacterial and fungal infections and contaminations. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.