UV red fluorescence of Eubacterium lentum

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Diagnostic Microbiology

Background:

• Eubacterium lentum is a clinically relevant bacterium.
• Accurate and rapid identification of bacterial species is crucial in clinical settings.
• Novel diagnostic markers can improve laboratory efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of UV-induced fluorescence as a diagnostic characteristic for Eubacterium lentum.
• To determine the stability and spectral properties of the fluorescent pigment.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of fluorescence under UV light for 29 clinical isolates and 2 type strains of Eubacterium lentum.
• Testing fluorescence with and without blood or hemin in culture media.
• Assessing fluorescence stability upon air exposure.
• Extraction and spectral analysis (peak excitation wavelength) of the fluorescent pigment using 1 N NaOH.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one of 29 clinical isolates and both reference strains displayed orange-to-red fluorescence under UV light.
• The observed fluorescence was independent of blood or hemin in culture media.
• The fluorescence remained stable upon exposure to air.
• Extracted fluorescent pigment exhibited a peak excitation wavelength around 400 nm.

Conclusions:

• Eubacterium lentum possesses an intrinsic capacity to produce a stable orange-to-red fluorescent pigment.
• UV-induced fluorescence serves as a potential, time-saving laboratory aid for the identification of Eubacterium lentum.
• This characteristic can be a valuable tool in routine clinical microbiology diagnostics.