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Nosocomial infection with Clostridium difficile investigated by pyrolysis mass spectrometry
T D Cartmill1, K Orr, R Freeman
1Department of Microbiology, North Manchester General Hospital.
Abstract:
Fifty-eight isolates of Clostridium difficile from two distinct outbreaks were examined for inter-strain similarity by pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS). The first outbreak began on a geriatric acute unit and spread to a long stay geriatric facility. PMS analysis showed that most isolates from both sites were indistinguishable. Isolates obtained in the preceding year from the long stay facility were found to be closely similar to these outbreak isolates. In the second, smaller outbreak on a female medical ward in another general hospital, PMS again showed that a single strain was probably responsible. Representative isolates from these two different outbreaks were shown to be distinct. The ability to compare rapidly large numbers of isolates of C. difficile makes PMS attractive for initial screening in suspected outbreaks, providing important information for outbreak management and allowing conventional typing methods to be concentrated on relevant isolates.
Insights
Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS) rapidly identified Clostridium difficile strains during two hospital outbreaks. This technique efficiently screened isolates, aiding outbreak management and focusing further testing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) pose significant challenges in healthcare settings.
- Accurate and rapid strain identification is crucial for effective CDI outbreak management.
- Traditional typing methods can be time-consuming for initial screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS) for rapid inter-strain comparison of Clostridium difficile isolates.
- To assess PMS for initial screening of C. difficile during hospital outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 58 Clostridium difficile isolates from two distinct hospital outbreaks using pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS).
- Comparison of isolate similarity from different healthcare units and time points.
Main Results:
- PMS demonstrated high similarity among isolates within each outbreak, suggesting a single predominant strain.
- Isolates from different outbreaks were distinguishable by PMS.
- PMS analysis of isolates from a preceding year showed similarity to current outbreak strains.
Conclusions:
- Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS) is an attractive method for rapid initial screening of Clostridium difficile isolates in suspected outbreaks.
- PMS provides valuable data for outbreak management by quickly identifying related strains.
- This technique can help optimize the use of conventional typing methods by focusing on relevant isolates.