Leg ulcer odour detection identifies beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection

beta-Haemolytic streptococci were identified in bacteriological cultures from 14 of 24 chronic venous leg ulcers in 21 patients. Multi-element odour detection (MEOD) analysis demonstrated a significant difference in odour in those ulcers from which beta-haemolytic streptococci were isolated (p < 0.01). MEOD has potential to detect pathogenic organisms instantaneously in the clinical setting.