Use of volatile compounds as a diagnostic tool for the detection of pathogenic bacteria

• Use of volatile organic compounds (VCs) as indicators of pathogenic bacteria.
• Application of VCs to analysis of food and clinical samples.
• Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.
• Development of a diagnostic tool for identification of pathogenic bacteria.

The analysis of volatile compounds (VCs) generated by bacteria has been proposed as a possible alternative method for the identification of pathogenic bacteria. Further investigations into the VCs generated by many different species and strains of the same species are required alongside the use of consistent growth conditions and procedures throughout VC analysis. Consequently, the true potential of the detection of bacterial VCs as a diagnostic tool in the identification of pathogenic bacteria in clinical and food samples can be determined.