Gas chromatographic detection of anaerobic bacteria from environment

A rapid method of detection of anaerobic bacteria in environment using gas chromatograph is described. Metabolically produced volatile and non-volatile fatty acid by the anaerobic bacteria are detected gas-chromatographically. Using this technique anaerobic bacteria are detected from soil, air, laboratory and operation theatre environments and drinking water samples. In the polluted drinking water apart from drug resistant E. coli, Clostridium difficile is isolated indicating faecal pollution of drinking water from cases of antibiotic associated pseudomembraneous colitis. The method has great significance in detection of anaerobic bacteria in environment especially in the management of war wounds.